Kevin Hart and Katt Williams end their decade-long feud on stage at the Netflix Roast in May 2026.
- May 30, 2026
AceShowbiz - Kevin Hart and Katt Williams have officially ended their long-standing feud during the Netflix special The Roast of Kevin Hart in May 2026. After years of public tension and indirect confrontations, the two comedians took a rare moment of camaraderie on stage to put their differences behind them.
The conflict between Kevin Hart and Katt Williams dates back over a decade, beginning publicly in 2014. That year, Katt Williams made subtle, passive-aggressive remarks criticizing comedians who embraced mainstream Hollywood success, which many interpreted as targeting Hart as his film career began to flourish. At that time, Hart had roles in movies such as Ride Along, About Last Night, Think Like a Man Too, and Top Five. Williams also claimed he played a significant role in shaping Hart’s comedic career.
In 2016, the feud took on a sharper edge when Williams publicly labeled Hart a "Hollywood puppet" during his Conspiracy Theory tour in Atlanta. Although Hart did not respond directly to the accusation, he posted a message on Instagram emphasizing unity and support within the comedy community. The post, which featured Hart alongside Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock at the Oscars, was seen by fans as a subtle jab at Williams, urging comedians to lift each other up rather than tear one another down.
During the 2026 roast, Katt Williams revisited his previous "puppet" comment and sought to clarify it humorously. He explained the remark as referencing the influence of Netflix’s leadership over Hart, rather than a personal insult. This lighthearted admission was part of the process that led to the reconciliation between the two comedians.
The feud escalated again in 2018 when Williams involved fellow comedian Tiffany Haddish, questioning why her movie Girls Trip was so successful. This move drew a public defense of Haddish from Hart, further fueling the tension between the two men.
In 2024, the conflict reached a new peak during an appearance by Katt Williams on the podcast Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe. There, Williams made strong allegations about Hart being an industry "plant," suggesting that Hart had an unusually fast rise in Hollywood with a network sitcom and a leading movie role early in his career. These claims implied that Hart had advantages others comedians did not, which added fuel to their ongoing rivalry.
Hart responded indirectly through social media, posting a tweet that fans interpreted as a response to Williams’s accusations. In January 2024, Hart tweeted about overcoming anger and shared a trailer for his upcoming Netflix film, Lift, highlighting his continued success despite the feud.
The long-standing dispute finally came to an end during the 2026 Netflix roast special held at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. On stage, Hart openly acknowledged their history of conflict and extended an olive branch, expressing a desire to move forward as friends and brothers. The two comedians shook hands and embraced, signaling a public and heartfelt reconciliation.
Katt Williams joked about his presence at the roast, admitting that his invitation was unexpected due to their bitter history. He humorously noted that his attendance was a sign of his diminished star power and the event’s need to include "enemies." Despite the humor, the moment marked a significant turning point in their relationship.
This resolution brought closure to a feud that had played out publicly for over a decade, highlighting the challenges and complexities of friendships and rivalries in the entertainment industry. The roast on Netflix provided a unique platform for both comedians to confront their past grievances openly and move forward on amicable terms.
By ending their feud, Kevin Hart and Katt Williams demonstrated the power of reconciliation and the importance of unity within the comedy world. Their decision to publicly reconcile during a high-profile event sends a message about overcoming differences and supporting one another in a competitive industry.
This article is based on reporting originally published by HollywoodLife.