Pete Davidson is facing heavy backlash online after making a controversial joke about late political commentator Charlie Kirk during Netflix’s latest celebrity roast event.
The comedian appeared during The Roast of Kevin Hart, where several edgy jokes reportedly pushed the limits, but one particular comment quickly ignited outrage across social media.
New reports now suggest Davidson was warned ahead of time that the joke could trigger major controversy, but he allegedly chose to move forward with it anyway.
Pete Davidson’s Joke Immediately Divides Viewers
During his segment, Davidson targeted comedian Tony Hinchcliffe before referencing Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was fatally shot in 2025 during a public speaking event in Utah.
“Tony reminds me of Charlie Kirk,” Davidson joked. “In that he’s definitely been on camera letting a guy unload in his throat.”
The audience reaction inside the venue appeared tense, with audible gasps and groans reportedly heard after the remark landed.
Davidson then leaned further into the controversy by joking, “Kill Tony! Please. Someone… kill Tony!” referencing Hinchcliffe’s popular podcast.
The moment quickly became one of the most talked-about segments from the Netflix special.
Sources Claim Davidson Was Warned Beforehand
According to insiders who spoke to Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice, people involved with the roast allegedly warned Davidson that the Charlie Kirk material would spark backlash if it aired publicly.
“Pete was absolutely warned,” one insider reportedly said. “People told him the Charlie Kirk material would create a firestorm. He didn’t listen.”
Another source claimed network television executives would never have allowed the joke to remain in the final cut.
“If this had aired on NBC, CBS, or ABC, the joke would have been cut instantly,” the insider said. “There’s no question about it.”
Netflix reportedly allowed the joke to air uncensored initially, though reports now claim the streaming platform is facing growing pressure from critics demanding the segment be removed.
“Mainstream outlets are uncomfortable even repeating the joke,” another media insider reportedly explained. “That tells you how radioactive this has already become.”
Social Media Erupts After Clip Goes Viral
Once clips from the roast surfaced online, reactions quickly became divided.
Many viewers slammed Davidson for joking about a real-life murder, arguing the comment crossed a line regardless of political views.
“Joking about someone’s death is about as tasteless as it gets,” one social media user wrote.
Others accused the comedian of trying too hard to shock audiences, while some argued the joke was especially insensitive given the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s assassination.
Some critics also pointed out that even the live audience appeared visibly uncomfortable during the moment.
Others Defend Davidson’s Comedy Style
Not everyone agreed with the backlash, however.
Some fans defended Davidson, pointing out that celebrity roasts are intentionally built around offensive and dark humor.
Supporters also noted that Davidson has frequently joked about painful personal topics, including the death of his own father during the September 11 attacks.
Others argued that roast comedy has always involved pushing boundaries and making audiences uncomfortable.
Still, insiders now suggest this controversy may have a larger impact on Davidson’s career than previous incidents.
“People expect edgy from Pete,” one source reportedly said. “But this crossed into territory a lot of executives think simply isn’t funny anymore.”
Some online users also compared the situation to previous controversies involving late-night television jokes about Charlie Kirk, including reports that Jimmy Kimmel’s show once faced suspension concerns over a far less severe joke.
Roast Included Multiple Controversial Moments
The Netflix special reportedly featured several jokes that were either edited down or removed entirely before release.
One unreleased joke reportedly referenced singer Lizzo’s weight, while another touched on the MeToo movement.
Despite the controversy, many viewers praised Lizzo for laughing along with the jokes directed at her during the event.
The singer appeared relaxed on camera after Davidson made a separate comment about her dramatic weight loss transformation.
Debate Continues Around Roast Comedy Culture
The backlash surrounding Davidson’s joke has once again sparked wider conversations online about where comedians should draw the line between edgy humor and personal tragedy.
While some viewers believe roast comedy should remain completely uncensored, others argue certain topics, especially violent deaths, should remain off limits regardless of context.
Netflix has not publicly commented on the controversy surrounding the special.
