Chris Rock made a career out of using comedy to examine the complexities of race in America. However, many in the Black community are furious at Rock for allowing White comedian, Louis C.K., to use the N-word in his presence.
The incident occurred during a taping of HBO’s “Talking Funny” that featured Rock, Louis C.K., and Jerry Seinfeld as they discussed their lives in comedy.
Rock made a comment claiming that Louis C.K. was the “blackest White guy that he knew” and Luis C.K. responded by saying, “You’re saying I’m a N—r.” Rock went along with the joke by saying, “Yes. You are the n—erest f—king White man.”
Louis C.K. continued to use the N-word at least six more times during the clip which lasts just under two minutes. Furthermore, Gervais used the N-word while saying he doesn’t use the word during his comedy.
Seinfeld appeared to be the only voice of reasoning during the clip as he looked turned off by Louis C.K. and Gervais’ decision to use the word.
“Well, you’ve found the humor of [using that word]. I haven’t found it nor do I seek it,” Seinfeld said the Louis C.K. who laughed.
Following the clip going viral, Louis C.K.,and Gervais were both blasted on social media for using the N-word. Rock was blasted for not speaking up.
Here are the reactions:
Dear Tempted Caucasians,
I’m not Chris Rock.
— Santiago Carter (@s_carter0714) December 23, 2018
I love Chris Rock and Travis Scott both. However, they both need to come to the front of the congregation. We need to talk.
— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) December 23, 2018
It’s quite clear that even if Chris Rock wasn’t born, Gervais and Louis CK were going to be using the n-word. Black people never have and never will give white folks ✌🏾permission✌🏾to call us that. That’s the jig. We get blamed for their use of it like they ever need our approval. https://t.co/0ToaL3LbdQ
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 23, 2018
Are folks really spending this much time on a seven-year-old discussion between @JerrySeinfeld @chrisrock @rickygervais and Louis CK? So in the age of Twitter, are we going to deconstruct old videos of all comedians? If so, the outrage machine is gonna be busy as hell.
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) December 23, 2018
