The fallout from Netflix’s Roast of Kevin Hart is still heating up — and now comedian Chelsea Handler is publicly blasting fellow comics Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe for what she called “racist,” “sexist,” and “gross” jokes made during the viral comedy special.
During an appearance on Deon Cole’s Funny Knowing You podcast, Handler didn’t hold back when discussing the controversial roast. She claimed she had already heard negative things about both comics before the show aired, saying former partners allegedly warned her about their behavior and attitudes.
“It’s just everything we know,” Handler said. “That they’re racist, that they’re bigots, they’re sexist.”
The comedian specifically criticized Gillis’ lynching joke aimed at Kevin Hart, saying jokes involving lynching Black people “aren’t funny” and crossed a serious line. She also slammed Hinchcliffe for joking about Sheryl Underwood’s late husband’s suicide, calling the moment “gross.”
Read Next
Handler added that the overall vibe of the roast felt “disgusting,” despite the format traditionally pushing boundaries.
The comments immediately sparked backlash online, with comedy fans split over whether Handler was defending decency or attacking roast-comedy culture itself. Some viewers argued that roasts are designed to be offensive and uncomfortable, while others agreed the jokes went too far.
Gillis later responded to Handler’s criticism with sarcasm, telling reporters, “This is a big moment for Chelsea. I am glad she’s capitalizing.”
The controversy also reignited debate surrounding modern comedy and where audiences now draw the line between edgy humor and offensive material. Roast culture has increasingly become a lightning rod for criticism, especially when jokes involve race, suicide, or historical trauma.
Meanwhile, clips from the interview have been rapidly spreading across social media, with fans dissecting every comment from Handler, Gillis, and Hinchcliffe.
Watch the Interview
You can watch the Funny Knowing You podcast channel here:
Coverage of Handler’s comments was also reported by multiple entertainment outlets.
