Tony Hinchcliffe is returning to Netflix with a new stand-up special, weeks after he was heavily criticized for his controversial and racially charged jokes on “The Roast of Kevin Hart.”
The backlash also triggered a public clash between the conservative comedian and Chelsea Handler, who accused him and Shane Gillis of pushing comedy into “gross” territory. Hinchcliffe later hit back on his ‘Kill Tony” show, claiming Handler repeatedly targeted him during the roast and “had it coming.”
It has also emerged that the latest Netflix roast could have reportedly featured Paul McCartney in the hot seat, but the rock legend had no interest in participating.
Netflix is moving ahead with more Hinchcliffe despite the backlash that followed his appearance at “The Roast of Kevin Hart.” The streamer has announced a new stand-up special, “Tony Hinchcliffe: Man of the People,” set to premiere on June 9.
In a teaser for the special, the comedian highlights groups he has joked about over the years, declaring that he has mocked “Blacks, Latinos, the whites, the Indians, [and] Asians,” before teasing audiences with the suggestion that no topic is off limits.
Netflix has similarly promoted the project by boasting that Hinchcliffe “tears into every group imaginable.”
The announcement comes months after criticism over jokes made during Hart’s Netflix roast, including remarks about George Floyd. During an appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” Hart later acknowledged the material was not “tasteful” for many viewers but defended it as part of the long-established roast format, arguing that audiences understand racial humor is often part of the genre.
Tony Hinchcliffe Fires Back At Chelsea Handler Over Roast Backlash
Hinchcliffe is still under fire over his George Floyd joke, and the fallout has now spilled into a feud with fellow comedian Chelsea Handler.
Handler criticized Hinchcliffe and Shane Gillis on Deon Cole’s “Funny Knowing You” podcast, calling them “racists,” “bigots,” and “sexist,” while arguing that roast comedy can be edgy without becoming “gross.”
Hinchcliffe later fired back during a live recording of his “Kill Tony” podcast, claiming Handler repeatedly targeted him during the roast. He said the teleprompter failed only during his set, giving him room to respond to her jabs in real time.
The controversy began after Hinchcliffe joked that Floyd was “looking up” and laughing so hard he “can’t breathe.”
Paul McCartney Reportedly Refused Netflix Roast Request
Before settling on Hart as the main subject of its most recent roast, Netflix reportedly asked The Beatles legend Paul McCartney to take the hot seat.
At the age of 83, McCartney has built a legacy that has kept him in the minds of fans across generations. However, the octogenarian reportedly had no interest in taking center stage in the showpiece event.
“We did ask Paul McCartney at one point,” executive producer and “Roastmaster General” Jeff Ross told Variety in an interview.
“To me, that would be a fantasy roast. Paul McCartney doesn’t need anything, but a Paul McCartney roast would be good for the world. It would be so funny to me because he is so loved,” he added.
Jeff Ross Wants Drake Or Stevie Wonder In The Hot Seat
Aside from McCartney, Ross has also named other high-profile figures he would like to see take on the roast format.
Speaking with the outlet in an earlier interview after Hart’s roast, Ross said a pop star, rock star, or rapper would all make strong choices, before naming some of his strong personal favorites.
“I could see Drake getting roasted and being a great one,” he said.
Ross also singled out Stevie Wonder as one of his favorite ideas, joking, “The Roast of Stevie Wonder: You’ve got to hear it to believe it.”
Both suggestions drew strong reactions online, with the comedian’s Stevie Wonder pick attracting the most attention because of the legendary singer’s disability.
Ross Says Kevin Hart Roast Could Open Doors
Launched in 2024, Netflix’s roast franchise has so far featured only two celebrities in the hot seat, with Hart’s recent appearance now fueling demand among fans for a third installment.
Ross did not say whether another roast is currently in the works, but suggested that Hart’s appearance could help persuade more high-profile celebrities to participate in the future.
“Kevin doing it opens it up to almost anybody who is at the top of their game and wants to show the world they’re a good sport,” he told the outlet. “It humanized even Kevin, whom we feel like we know everything about. It made him show some vulnerability by laughing at himself. A lot of celebrities could use that kind of injection of laughter into their career,” Ross added.