Sheryl Underwood responds after Tony Hinchcliffe's controversial joke about her late husband at the Kevin Hart roast sparks online outrage.
- May 17, 2026
AceShowbiz - Sheryl Underwood has sparked online discussions after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a controversial joke about her late husband during The Roast of Kevin Hart. The event, held live at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles and streamed on Netflix, featured Hinchcliffe referencing the tragic suicide of Underwood’s husband, Michael Sparkman, who died in 1990 after suffering from depression.
During his set, Hinchcliffe remarked, "Her husband committed suicide three years into the marriage. I've been sitting next to her for two hours, and I have to ask: how did he last that long?" While Underwood appeared to laugh at the moment, many viewers quickly expressed outrage online, criticizing the joke as insensitive and crossing a line.
Following the backlash, Sheryl Underwood addressed the situation in an interview with TMZ, stating, "Freedom of speech is alive and well at Netflix." She did not shy away from the controversy but instead responded with humor during the same roast event.
On stage, Underwood delivered a sharp comeback, joking, "Question for the day is, who has had more Black d-k in this town? Me or Chelsea Handler? The answer is Tony Hinchcliffe." This witty retort highlighted her resilience and ability to handle the roast’s harsh nature.
Additionally, host Shane Gillis also made a reference to Sparkman while roasting Underwood, further intensifying the event’s edgy tone. The roast sparked significant conversation about the boundaries of comedy, especially when it involves deeply personal and painful topics.
The incident has underscored the fine line comedians walk during roasts, balancing humor with respect, and has left many viewers debating the limits of free speech in comedy settings.