Matt Rife’s Netflix Special “Natural Selection” Sparks Controversy with Jokes About Domestic Violence

Comedian Matt Rife faces backlash over his new Netflix special, which includes jokes about domestic violence and abuse. The controversy surrounding the special has ignited a heated debate about the boundaries of comedy and the responsibility of comedians.

Matt Rife, a rising star in the comedy world and popular TikTok personality, has found himself at the center of controversy with his latest Netflix special, “Natural Selection.” The hour-long comedy special quickly climbed the ranks on Netflix’s global top 10 list, but it has also faced criticism for jokes that make light of domestic violence and abuse. Rife’s response to the backlash has only added fuel to the fire, leaving many questioning the boundaries of comedy and the role of comedians in addressing sensitive topics.

Who is Matt Rife?

Matt Rife rose to fame through his social media presence, amassing millions of followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He leveraged his popularity to produce self-produced comedy specials, which garnered attention and a dedicated fan base. Rife’s success on social media eventually led to opportunities on television shows like MTV’s “Wild ‘n Out” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” The release of his Netflix special was a significant milestone in his career, as it signaled recognition and acceptance from a major network.

The Controversial Jokes from “Natural Selection”:

“Natural Selection” opens with Rife recounting a visit to a restaurant in Baltimore, during which he encounters a hostess with a black eye. He proceeds to make jokes about the situation, suggesting that the hostess should be hidden in the kitchen and commenting that if she could cook, she wouldn’t have a black eye. These jokes about domestic violence sparked outrage among viewers, particularly those who found them insensitive and offensive.

Rife’s Response to the Criticism:

In an interview, Rife acknowledged that his comedy might appeal more to male viewers, despite his predominantly female fan base on TikTok. He stated that he aims to create comedy that appeals to everyone, but some of his material may resonate more with men. However, Rife did not directly address the controversy surrounding his jokes about domestic violence. Instead, he posted a series of Instagram Stories that further fueled the backlash. The first story included a link titled “Tap to solve your issue,” which redirected viewers to a medical website selling helmets for people with special needs. This misguided attempt at humor only intensified the uproar. Rife later posted another story, this time directing followers to his YouTube page, where a comedy clip titled “Bad Santa” was featured.

Conclusion:

The release of Matt Rife’s Netflix special, “Natural Selection,” has ignited a heated debate about the boundaries of comedy and the responsibility of comedians. While comedy has long been a platform for pushing societal boundaries and addressing sensitive topics, the line between humor and harm can be blurry. Rife’s jokes about domestic violence have struck a nerve, prompting discussions about the impact of such humor on survivors and the wider culture. As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the role of comedians in shaping public opinion and the need for sensitivity and empathy in comedy.


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