Pete Davidson’s ‘Gay Nazi’ Joke at Kevin Hart Roast: The Feud with Ye That Refuses to Die
Netflix’s The Roast of Kevin Hart took a darkly comedic turn on May 10 when Pete Davidson delivered a pointed jab at Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), calling him a “gay Nazi” during a segment that also targeted comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. The joke—delivered in front of an audience that included Ye and his wife, Bianca Censori—has reignited the comedian’s years-long feud with the rapper, while also placing Davidson’s humor under renewed scrutiny.
The Joke That Sparked the Feud
During his portion of the roast, Davidson began by mocking Hinchcliffe, referencing the comedian’s controversial past, including his offensive remarks about Puerto Ricans and his association with the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Davidson’s remarks escalated quickly:
“Tony reminds me of Charlie Kirk, in that he’s definitely been on camera letting a guy unload in his throat.”
“Kill Tony. Please, someone fucking kill Tony.”
“Tony, nothing you say tonight will hurt my feelings. I was in a beef with Kanye, so I’ve taken shots from better gay Nazis.”
The final line—directed at Ye—referenced the rapper’s history of antisemitic remarks and his past feud with Davidson, which began when Davidson dated Ye’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian. Ye, seated in the audience, reportedly offered little visible reaction as the joke landed.
Why This Joke Matters
- Historical Context: Davidson and Ye’s feud traces back to 2022, when Ye publicly dissed Davidson on social media, calling him “Skete” and spreading rumors about his health and sexuality.
- Antisemitic Allegations: Ye has faced widespread criticism for past antisemitic remarks, including a 2022 interview where he made controversial statements about Jewish people. In January 2026, he published a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal addressing his remarks, stating, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
- Davidson’s Reputation: Known for his edgy, self-deprecating humor, Davidson has repeatedly used roasts as a platform to settle scores, including with figures like Ye and former SNL castmate Norm Macdonald.
Ye’s Public Image Under Scrutiny
Ye’s appearance at the roast came at a pivotal moment for his career and public perception. Earlier this year, he faced backlash for his 2025 track “Cousins”, which was removed from streaming platforms following accusations of antisemitic imagery. His January ad framed his past remarks as a result of bipolar type-1 disorder, a condition he has openly discussed.
Davidson’s joke adds another layer to Ye’s ongoing battle to reclaim his image. While some fans and supporters have rallied behind Ye’s mental health advocacy, critics argue that his public statements and artistic choices continue to perpetuate harm. The roast moment, though framed as comedy, underscores the delicate balance between free speech and accountability in entertainment.
Davidson’s Strategy: Roasts as Retaliation
Davidson’s use of roasts to settle personal grudges is nothing new. His history of targeting former rivals—including Ye, Macdonald and even his own SNL castmates—has become a signature of his brand. However, his latest jab raises questions about the boundaries of comedic roasting, particularly when it intersects with sensitive topics like antisemitism.
Industry insiders note that roasts thrive on controversy, but Davidson’s choice to reference Ye’s antisemitic history—even in jest—could further polarize an already divided audience. “Roasts are about pushing buttons, but there’s a difference between biting humor and crossing into harmful territory,” said one comedy analyst, who requested anonymity.
Key Takeaways
- Davidson’s joke reignited his feud with Ye, tying it to the rapper’s past controversies.
- Ye’s public image remains under scrutiny amid his efforts to address past remarks and mental health.
- Roasts as comedy continue to blur the line between entertainment and real-world consequences.
- Davidson’s reputation as a provocateur is reinforced, but his latest jab may draw more backlash than laughter.
What’s Next for Davidson and Ye?
While Davidson has yet to comment on the fallout from his joke, Ye has remained silent on the matter. The rapper’s next move—whether a public response, legal action, or further artistic releases—will likely shape the narrative moving forward. For Davidson, the roast may serve as a final chapter in his feud with Ye, but it also risks overshadowing the event’s intended purpose: to entertain, not to escalate.
As streaming platforms like Netflix continue to host high-profile roasts, the tension between comedy and controversy remains a defining challenge for the industry. One thing is certain: the feud between Davidson and Ye is far from over.