Chelsea Handler voiced strong criticism of several jokes made during the Netflix special "The Roast of Kevin Hart," describing the overall atmosphere as having a "gross vibe." The comedian and host Shane Gillis responded to the remarks with a lighthearted statement that also promoted an upcoming performance. Handler shared her views during the May 20 episode of her podcast "Funny Knowing You," several days after the roast aired on May 10.
Handler, 51, told listeners that she found certain material particularly troubling. "It was gross," she said. "I don’t find those jokes to be funny. Jokes about lynching Black people, lynching is not a joke. That’s worse than rape. You’re not joking about rape, are you?" She added that comedians could deliver strong material "without being gross."
During the roast, Gillis, 38, opened by noting he had been encouraged to "be racist" with his jokes. He then delivered a line about Hart’s height: "Kevin’s so short, they’re going to have to lynch him from a bonsai tree." Hart, 46, was shown laughing and later stood to shake Gillis’s hand. Gillis followed the joke by saying, "Look, I understand how serious the word lynch is but bonsai is so funny."
Handler also addressed jokes made by Tony Hinchcliffe, 41, and others that referenced the late husband of former "The Talk" host Sheryl Underwood, who died by suicide. She said she received messages from women who had dated Gillis and claimed they shared details about his views. Handler labeled Gillis and Hinchcliffe "racists," "bigots" and "sexist," adding that one ex reportedly described Gillis as thinking he is "invisible" and can say whatever he wants.
Gillis addressed Handler’s comments in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "This is a big moment for Chelsea. I am glad she’s capitalizing. Good for her. We’re all rooting for her," he said. He then invited fans to his July 17 show at the football stadium in Philadelphia.
Underwood appeared on Gillis’s podcast "Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast" the same day Handler’s episode aired. According to reports from the appearance, Gillis stated on the record that he had called Underwood, 62, beforehand to ask permission before referencing her late husband. Handler said she was not comfortable with the topic regardless. "If she says she’s fine with that, she’s fine with that. I wasn’t fine with that. I thought that was disgusting too," Handler said on her podcast.
The roast featured a range of comedians delivering pointed material at Hart’s expense. Gillis served as host and set the tone early with his opening remarks. Attendees and viewers saw Hart react in real time to the bonsai tree line, which drew laughter from the crowd.
Handler explained that she had anticipated a difficult environment before attending. "There was so much disgustingness that I knew it was going to be a gross vibe that I would be able to elevate it no problem," she said. "That’s what I went to do."
Observers noted that the event followed a long tradition of celebrity roasts that often push boundaries with edgy humor. Past roasts have included jokes on sensitive topics, though the specific references to lynching and suicide drew particular attention this time.
Gillis has built a career that includes stand-up specials and podcast appearances. His July 17 performance in Philadelphia is scheduled at a large outdoor venue, suggesting significant ticket demand following the roast’s release.
Handler has frequently discussed comedy standards and personal boundaries in her podcast and stand-up work. Her May 20 comments fit into ongoing conversations within the entertainment industry about what material crosses lines for different audiences.
Underwood’s participation on Gillis’s podcast provided additional context about how some participants viewed the widow jokes. She reportedly discussed the matter directly with the host prior to the taping of the roast.
Industry watchers pointed out that reactions to the special have varied widely since its May 10 premiere. Some viewers praised the unfiltered style, while others, including Handler, expressed discomfort with specific choices.
The exchange between Handler and Gillis highlights differing perspectives on humor that touches on race, violence, and personal tragedy. Both comedians have continued their respective projects in the days since the comments surfaced.