Full Breakdown
Michael Che Criticizes White-Dominated Writing Team After Pulling Out of Kevin Hart Roast
5/14/2026, 2:39:45 AM
Event Overview
Michael Che, co-host of “Saturday Night Live,” was slated to appear at Netflix’s live “Roast of Kevin Hart” on May 10, 2026, in Inglewood, California. Two sources told *Variety* that Che withdrew because of a scheduling conflict with SNL; several other comedians also dropped out. Two days after the broadcast, Che posted a series of Instagram slides denouncing the roast’s writing staff and the racial tone of many jokes.
Writer Composition and Controversial Content
The three-hour roast, part of Netflix’s “Is a Joke” festival, listed 17 writers. *Entertainment Weekly* named three Black writers—Harry Ratchford, Chris Spencer, Joey Wells—while *Variety* said several writers were Black. Che’s Instagram singled out five white writers hired by host Shane Gillis: Nick Mullen, J.P. McDade, Mike Lawrence, Dan St. Germain, Zac Amico. The set included jokes about slavery, lynching and a George Floyd line that drew criticism.
Official Statements & Responses
Netflix declined comment, per *Variety* and *Daily Caller*. *Variety* noted Che’s scheduling conflict and the mixed racial makeup of the writers. Jeff Ross told *Variety*, “Nothing was off limits,” reflecting the roast’s approach. The producers and the writers highlighted by Che gave no response.
Criticism & Opposition
Che’s Instagram contrasted “Black” and “white” roast styles, accusing the white-writer team of focusing on “Slavery, math, slain teens, sex crimes, slurs, family secrets.” Activist Tamika Mallory called Hinchcliffe’s George Floyd joke “disgusting” and “nothing funny.” Online backlash labeled the jokes racially insensitive.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on the number of Black writers: *Entertainment Weekly* lists three, while *Variety* mentions only “several.” The George Floyd jokes also differ—some reports cite a line sending Floyd to hell, others quote Hinchcliffe saying Floyd was “laughing so hard he can’t breathe.” Netflix has offered no clarification on writer selection or diversity plans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “White guys and Black people joke different. Black guy roast like, ‘look at this n— shoes!’ White roasts are like, ‘Slavery, math, slain teens, sex crimes, slurs, family secrets.’ White guys don’t give a fuck about they shoes.” — Michael Che, Instagram
- “C’monnnnnnnnn… that’s not funny?” — Michael Che, Instagram (photo of white writers)
- “There is literally NOTHING funny about how George Floyd was murdered. Allowing that white man or any other man to stand up there and disrespect Us, while laughing, is disgusting.” — Tamika Mallory, Instagram
- “The Black community is so proud of you… right now George Floyd is looking up at us all, laughing so hard he can’t breathe,” — Tony Hinchcliffe, roast performance
What’s Next
The episode revived debate over writer diversity in televised comedy. Netflix has not announced a policy review, but observers expect internal assessments before future “Is a Joke” events. Che’s criticism may influence how networks schedule talent and vet writing rooms for cultural sensitivity.
