Matt Rife Offers Up Fake Apology Following Controversial Joke
The uber-popular comedian has found himself in some increasingly hot water after an ‘apology’ for his controversial joke falls flat.
Just one week ago, Matt Rife could almost do no wrong. The comedian is considered one of comedy’s biggest names. With shows that have routinely sold out, Rife has recently been drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift. Needless to say, he has become one of the most in-demand comedians today. In an attempt to capitalize on his increasing popularity, Rife secured a deal with Netflix to air his own stand-up comedy special.
Matt Rife Adds Fuel To The Fire After Controversial Joke
On November 15, Rife’s special “Natural Selection” was added to the streaming giant’s platform. The hour-long special kicks off with a joke regarding a very sensitive topic for many people. Rife tells a story about being in a “ratchet” restaurant located in Baltimore. He says that while he was there with a friend, the two noticed that their female server had a black eye. Rife and his friend then ponder why the restaurant wouldn’t have the server work solely in the kitchen so that customers wouldn’t see her black eye. Rife then joked, “Yeah, but I feel like if she could cook, she wouldn’t have that black eye.”
The fan reaction to Rife’s controversial joke has not been positive. The comedian has faced a demand for an apology for his joke that many consider offensive. On November 20, Rife took to his Instagram Story to issue his “official apology” for any joke that fans may have been offended by.
Included in Rife’s post was a link to “Tap to solve your issue.” Instead of an apology, the link sent users to a medical supply website that sells special needs helmets.
Attempting To Redefine His Act
In a recent interview with Variety, Rife addressed concerns that his stand-up was catered to a certain demographic. The comedian has taken exception to the assumption that his shows are just for women. “One of the biggest misconceptions of things I get ridiculed online for is people are like ‘Oh, he only has a female fan base,’” Rife said.
Although he acknowledges his primary fan base, Rife says that doesn’t mean he’s one-dimensional. “In the beginning yes, because I did blow up on TikTok which is very female dominant…So, I get that perspective. But when you come to the shows, I mean, it’s 50/50. It’s couples coming out. It’s groups of dudes who are coming. And that’s one thing that I wanted to tackle in this special was showing people that like despite what you think about me online, I don’t pander my career to women.”
While reflecting on his approaching Netflix special, Rife clarified what his intentions were. “I would argue this special is way more for guys,” he continued. “I wanted to make this special for everybody, I pride myself on making my comedy for everybody. It’s not for a specific demographic. I think if people would just give it the chance without going into it and being like ‘oh, only girls like him’ or ‘people only like his face.’ If you give it an opportunity, I think you’d like it.”
Taking A Hit Where It Hurts The Most
Regardless of the type of fan that Rife made the special for, it is clear that he attempted to push the envelope. Following his joke during his Netflix special, Rife tells the crowd the joke was him “just testing the waters, seeing if y’all are gonna be fun or not.” He then tells the crowd that “I figure if we start the show with domestic violence the rest of the show should be smooth sailing.” Although his show finished without incident, it appears that his fan support is where waters are getting choppy.
sorry that matt rife had to be everyone's reminder that no man named matt should ever be trusted. please consider laughing at and thirsting over troy bond instead
— 🎀 dove! 🎀 (@lovedoveclarke) November 21, 2023
Unfiltered and probably-biased “Matt bashing” aside, it is clear that Matt Rife has experienced his first real taste of public scorn. The Ohio-born comedian has enjoyed a steady increase in popularity over the past couple of years. Rife currently boasts 6 million followers on Instagram, but that pales in comparison to his popularity on TikTok. With over 18 million followers on the social media app, Rife has enjoyed a recent boom in his success. According to the New York Times, Rife’s “ProbleMATTic World Tour” sold out 260 dates around the globe.
Only time will tell if Matt Rife will be able to ride out the storm following his controversial joke. Do you think that his joke and “apology” went too far? Are all people named Matt untrustworthy? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
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