Stephen A. Smith is expressing hurt after comedian Kevin Hart included the sports personality on a mock “Mount Rushmore” of individuals who allegedly hate Black people.
During a recently aired roast, Hart leveled the accusations by grouping Smith alongside figures like Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan, sparking a swift and emotional response from the media mogul. Smith addressed the comments on his show, “Straight Shooter,” where he admitted that the jab felt like a personal betrayal.
The broadcaster emphasized that he and Hart have shared a professional and personal rapport for many years. Smith said he felt blindsided by the inclusion, specifically because he considered Hart a friend who understood the nuances of his public persona and career. “I thought I had a pretty damn good relationship with Kevin Hart.
He’s been on my show on many occasions,” Smith said during his broadcast. While acknowledging that Hart may have been performing a bit, Smith noted that the source of the joke made it difficult to dismiss. “I have an issue at the fact that it came from him… A guy I have a lot of love and respect for… It stung.”
The controversy stems from a broader critique of the comedy special, which has faced backlash for various segments including jokes regarding George Floyd and a writers’ room that some critics claimed leaned toward anti-Blackness. Smith noted that he is particularly sensitive to these specific narratives because they have been weaponized against him in the past by other sports figures and cultural critics.
This is not the first time Smith has had to defend his cultural identity. He previously faced similar criticism from former NFL player Terrell Owens, who once suggested that Smith’s former co-host, Max Kellerman, was more in touch with Black culture than Smith himself. At the time, Smith reacted with similar indignation, citing his lifelong dedication to his community and his professional track record.
Hart has not yet issued a formal apology or response to Smith’s comments.
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