Comedian Pete Davidson sparked controversy at a celebrity roast event with graphic jokes targeting fellow comedian Tony Hinchcliffe and renewed attacks on rapper Kanye West, who previously feuded with Davidson over his relationship with Kim Kardashian.
Explicit Jokes Draw Gasps From Audience
The 32-year-old former Saturday Night Live cast member compared Hinchcliffe to Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator who died in September 2025, before making an explicit sexual remark that drew audible gasps from the crowd. Davidson then referenced Hinchcliffe’s podcast with a violent quip, saying someone should follow through on the show’s title, Kill Tony. The comedian continued his aggressive comedy routine by calling West a gay Nazi, directly connecting the insult to their highly publicized 2022 dispute.
Long-Running Feud With Kanye West
Davidson’s feud with West, now 48, began after the comedian started dating Kardashian following her separation from the rapper. West launched months of public attacks in 2022, spreading false claims that Davidson had AIDS, calling him a drug addict, and posting disturbing social media content. The Grammy winner later made international headlines with repeated antisemitic statements and praised Adolf Hitler in 2025, posting Nazi imagery on his Yeezy brand website. West issued an apology this year through a Wall Street Journal advertisement, blaming a decades-old car accident for causing bipolar disorder that he claims influenced his behavior.
Entertainment Industry Standards Under Question
The roast format traditionally allows comedians to deliver harsh insults without consequences, but Davidson’s material pushed boundaries even by Hollywood standards. His willingness to reference West’s well-documented antisemitic episodes and make violent suggestions about a fellow performer raises questions about acceptable comedy in an era of increased cultural sensitivity. West stated in his apology that he feels deeply mortified by his previous actions and committed to treatment and meaningful change. The roast demonstrated that Davidson remains prepared to resurrect one of Hollywood’s most contentious personal conflicts for comedy material, regardless of the controversies surrounding both parties involved.