The rising star faces criticism over jokes about domestic violence and his response to the controversy
Matt Rife, the 28-year-old stand-up comic and social media sensation, is making waves in the comedy world with his new Netflix special, Natural Selection. However, the hour-long comedy special has ignited a firestorm of controversy due to several jokes that make light of domestic violence and abuse. Rife’s response to the backlash has only intensified the uproar. Let’s take a closer look at Rife’s rise to fame, the controversial remarks in Natural Selection, and the fallout from his response.
Who is Matt Rife?
Matt Rife first gained fame through social media platforms, amassing a massive following of 18.2 million on TikTok and 6.4 million on Instagram. He leveraged his popularity to produce self-produced comedy specials, including Matt Rife: Only Fans, Matthew Steven Rife, and Walking Red Flag. Rife has also made appearances on popular shows like MTV’s Wild ‘n Out and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry. His recent success on Netflix has been a significant milestone in his career, garnering attention from a broader audience.
The controversial jokes from Natural Selection
Natural Selection, filmed at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., opens with Rife recounting a visit to a “ratchet” restaurant in Baltimore, where he encounters a hostess with a black eye. Rife jokingly suggests that she should be placed in the kitchen to avoid customers seeing her face. While some audience members laughed, others found the joke offensive, particularly given the serious issue of domestic violence.
The response to the controversy
Rife’s response to the criticism has only fueled the fire. In an Instagram Story, he posted a link labeled “Tap to solve your issue,” which redirected viewers to a medical website selling helmets for people with special needs. This move further angered viewers, who interpreted it as dismissive and insensitive. Rife later posted another link, titled “This one’s real this time,” which directed followers to a comedy clip on his YouTube page, seemingly making light of the situation.
Conclusion: Matt Rife’s Natural Selection has sparked a heated debate about the boundaries of comedy and the responsibility of comedians to address sensitive topics. While Rife’s jokes about domestic violence have drawn criticism, his response to the backlash has only intensified the controversy. As the conversation continues, it raises important questions about the power of comedy and the role it plays in shaping societal norms.
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