Comedian Matt Rife is under scrutiny after clips from his Netflix stand-up comedy special, “Natural Selection,” sparked controversy. The criticism revolves around jokes involving domestic violence and other sensitive topics. Rife responded to the backlash on his Instagram story by providing a link to a medical website selling helmets for individuals with special needs, a move that some interpreted as dismissive. The comedian’s representatives have not issued a formal comment on the matter.
In “Natural Selection,” which premiered on Netflix, Rife covers various subjects such as social media trolls, spirituality, and parenthood. The controversy arose from his opening joke, where he made light of domestic violence by commenting on a server with a black eye. The clip gained widespread attention on platforms like TikTok, leading to condemnation for trivializing abuse.
Critics questioned the humor and expressed discomfort, with some accusing Rife of victim-blaming. Another joke later in the special, involving a classmate with special needs, also faced criticism.
Rife, known for his crowd work on TikTok, garnered immense popularity, amassing 18.2 million followers on the platform, many of whom are women. Critics argue that Rife’s jokes, particularly those targeting women, risk alienating a significant portion of his fan base.
Comedian Pat Loller commented on TikTok, suggesting that Rife’s controversial jokes might indicate a disregard for his audience. The perception is that Rife may be deliberately distancing himself from female fans.
The controversy comes on the heels of Rife addressing the ridicule he faced for having a predominantly female fan base. He emphasized a balanced audience at his shows but asserted that his career is not geared toward pandering to women.
The response to Rife’s Netflix special has sparked a broader conversation about the boundaries of humor, particularly in dealing with sensitive topics. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Rife and his team will address the concerns raised by critics and fans alike.
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