In a recent episode of Chelsea Handler’s podcast, “Dear Chelsea,” the topic of personal hygiene sparked a lively and humorous debate between comedian Kevin Hart and Handler herself. The conversation, which began with a viewer’s question about bathing pets in household tubs, quickly escalated into a discussion about the necessity of washing legs during showers — a topic that has become a cultural talking point.
The origins of the debate
The discussion was ignited by a previous incident involving comedian Tiffany Haddish, who humorously offered to scrub a man with peroxide and baking soda. Hart and Handler, representing Black and white perspectives respectively, found themselves at odds over the necessity of scrubbing every part of the body during a shower.
Handler’s controversial take
Handler’s stance was clear: she questioned the need to wash her legs, arguing that they are covered all day and don’t get dirty. “Why do my legs need to be washed? They’re f—ing covered all day,” she exclaimed, leaving Hart visibly shocked. Handler further elaborated that the soap from her shower rinses down her body, making a detailed wash unnecessary. This prompted Hart to challenge her logic, insisting that every part of the body deserves a thorough cleaning.
A cultural divide in hygiene practices
The exchange highlighted a cultural divide in hygiene practices. Hart argued that skipping certain areas, like legs and feet, is not only unhygienic but also culturally different. He pointed out that many Black individuals typically have a more thorough approach to cleanliness, often using washcloths and scrubbing every part of their bodies. Handler, on the other hand, admitted to only washing her “hot spots” — areas like her underarms and groin — while neglecting her legs and feet.
Celebrity perspectives on hygiene
This debate is not new and has been echoed by other celebrities. For instance, Alexis Ohanian, husband of tennis star Serena Williams, has shared how Williams introduced him to the importance of using a washcloth. Similarly, NFL player Jason Kelce revealed that he does not wash his legs, suggesting that the biblical references to foot washing were contextually specific to the dusty conditions of the time.
Hart’s plea for understanding
Hart’s plea for a cultural understanding of hygiene practices was met with laughter and disbelief from Handler. He suggested that if white people could acknowledge the importance of using a washcloth, it would bridge the gap in their differing hygiene philosophies. “If we would just hear white people say, ‘You know what? I understand the washcloth and I get it …’ that would be a start,” he said.
Public reactions and social media buzz
The conversation has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many users expressing their disbelief at Handler’s comments. Some users remarked that justifying a lack of thorough cleaning is “beyond nasty,” while others humorously noted that the discussion made them feel itchy. Handler’s past relationship with rapper 50 Cent also added a layer of intrigue, with fans recalling their brief romance and the playful banter that ensued.
A lighthearted yet important discussion
Ultimately, the debate between Hart and Handler serves as a lighthearted yet significant reflection of cultural differences in hygiene practices. While their conversation was filled with laughter and disbelief, it also opened the door for a broader discussion about how cultural backgrounds influence personal habits. As Hart aptly noted, understanding and acknowledging these differences is key to bridging the divide.
In a world where personal hygiene can often be a taboo topic, Hart and Handler’s candid exchange reminds us that humor can be a powerful tool for addressing serious cultural differences. Whether you scrub your legs or not, the important takeaway is that everyone has their own unique approach to cleanliness, and that’s perfectly okay.
