Kevin Hart names the celebrity who should never get roasted: ‘That’d be like spray painting the Sistine Chapel
Comedian Kevin Hart has drawn a firm line in the sand over who should and shouldn’t be subjected to the brutal tradition of celebrity roasts, declaring that some stars are simply off-limits—including one whose name alone sparked laughter across a live audience.
Why Oprah Winfrey is the One Star Kevin Hart Would Fight to Protect
During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Hart reflected on his own experience as the target of Netflix’s Roast of Kevin Hart, a three-hour special where fellow celebrities like Chelsea Handler, Pete Davidson, and Katt Williams took turns mocking him. The event, part of Netflix’s Is a Joke Festival, also featured surprise appearances from Dwayne Johnson and Tom Brady, who had previously been roasted in a 2024 special hosted by Hart himself.
When Kimmel jokingly asked if Hart could imagine Oprah Winfrey as the next roast subject, the comedian’s reaction was immediate and visceral. Shaking his head with a mix of disbelief and amusement, Hart declared, “If I found out that Oprah said she wanted to do it, I’m driving 100 miles per hour to Oprah’s house” and would tell her, “You cannot do this. No shot.” Kimmel’s follow-up—“Would that be unacceptable? That’d be like spray painting the Sistine Chapel?”—only deepened the laughter.
Why This Matters: The Evolution of Celebrity Roasts
Hart’s strong reaction to the idea of Oprah being roasted highlights a shifting dynamic in Hollywood’s long-standing tradition of comedic aggression. Roasts, which have targeted everyone from Bill Cosby to Will Ferrell, are typically framed as lighthearted entertainment—but Hart’s admission that some jokes “hurt” suggests the line between humour and offence is thinner than ever.
His refusal to entertain the idea of Oprah as a roast subject also underscores the power dynamics at play. Winfrey, a media icon with decades of influence, represents a figure whose public persona is untouchable in the eyes of many. Hart’s response may reflect broader cultural sensitivities around targeting certain figures, particularly those whose work carries significant social or historical weight.
What Could Happen Next?
Hart’s comments may influence future roast subjects, particularly those with similarly untouchable status. While the tradition has long thrived on shock value, stars like Winfrey could become de facto “no-go” zones, forcing producers to seek out targets who are either more willing to engage or less culturally protected.
Alternatively, the backlash against roasting certain figures could lead to a rebranding of the format—perhaps as a more consensual or less aggressive event. If audiences and stars continue to push for boundaries, the roast’s future may lie in self-deprecating humour rather than outright attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who else has been roasted in recent years?
Tom Brady was the subject of a Netflix roast hosted by Kevin Hart in 2024, and other high-profile targets have included Bill Cosby, Will Ferrell, and Sarah Silverman.
Did Kevin Hart say any jokes during his own roast?
The source does not mention Hart delivering jokes during his roast; instead, he was the sole target of the humour from other celebrities.
Why did Dwayne Johnson’s joke about Hart’s father stand out?
Hart described Johnson’s joke—comparing photos of their fathers—as “the worst picture of my father I’ve ever seen,” which he said caught him off guard but was ultimately funny.
As celebrity roasts continue to evolve, do you think certain stars should be off-limits—or is the tradition’s shock value part of its appeal?