Stephen A. Smith says Kevin Hart's Netflix joke hurt him because it came from someone he felt knew him better.
ESPN host comments on joke on show Straight Shooter with Stephen A. after Hart mentioned it in the context of the "Mount Rushmore of racism" in the Netflix show "« The Roast of Kevin Hart» . Smith said he understood the context, but the phrase still "stung.".
«"I don't have any issues with the joke itself. What bothers me is that it came from him," Smith said, according to Entertainment Weekly. .
Smith said Hart's joke was taken personally.
Hart made a joke, mocking comedy show host Shane Gillis. He named Gillis, Kid Rock, Hulk Hogan, and Smith as the four people "who hate black people," Entertainment Weekly reports.
Smith wasn't present at the "comedy evening" and said he learned of the joke after it had ended. His response focused less on the existence of comedy evenings than on Hart's mention of his name in that category.
Smith said he felt he had a "pretty damn good relationship" with Hart. He said Hart had appeared on his show several times and that they had known each other for years.
The article "The Line Hit a Narrative Smith Rejects"
Smith said he was upset by the joke because he felt it fed into a false image that had been created about him.
«"Knowing that I've spent my entire life fighting for my community, and that people are trying to continue to spread false information about me, it hurts me to hear this from those who know me," Smith said, according to Entertainment Weekly.
ClutchPoints reported that Smith said he had the opportunity to respond more aggressively, but chose not to because Hart had never done anything to deserve such a reaction.
Smith linked the joke to political criticism.
Smith also linked the joke to the criticism he says he's faced for his political comments. Entertainment Weekly reported that Smith called Hart's joke "the latest salvo" against him.
Smith accused critics of wanting him to "worship" politics and declared that "he's not cut out for it." He framed the criticism as part of a larger societal narrative that he believes is being forced upon him.
These comments should be left to Smith. He was describing how he believed his critics viewed him, not providing a neutral assessment of what any party or organization had officially done.
Smith said he still loved Hart.
Smith did not turn the episode into a feud with Hart.
«"Anyone who expected me to attack Kevin Hart was wrong," Smith said, according to Entertainment Weekly. "I've always loved him very much and I will continue to love him.".
His complaint was more specific than a demand for more toned-down comedy skits. Smith said the joke was received differently because it was delivered by Hart himself.
Hart's show, which was dedicated to mocking his work, has already sparked a backlash.
Smith's comments come at a time when Hart's Netflix appearance has already come under fire for other racially charged jokes. Hart previously responded to criticism of Tony Hinchcliffe's George Floyd joke during his appearance on the show. The Breakfast Club .
According to People, Hart said Hinchcliffe's joke "was inappropriate" and noted that comedy skits often include offensive language.
ClutchPoints reported that Hart had not responded to Smith's comments at the time of publication. Smith's objection was not related to the backlash against Hinchcliffe, as the joke about him originated directly with Hart.