Comedians often walk a fine line between humor and controversy, but sometimes, that line gets obliterated. This was the case with Hannah Berner, whose Netflix special Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year sparked outrage over a joke involving Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. What started as an edgy roast quickly escalated into a social media storm, with many branding her comments as sexist, offensive, and outright vile.
The Controversial Joke: What Was Said?
During the Netflix special, Berner took a swipe at Taylor Swift and her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. In a segment referencing Luigi Mangione—the man charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson—Berner joked:
“Who knew besides Travis Kelce that you could become so popular with women by shooting loads into a billionaire?”
While roasts are known for their provocative nature, this joke struck a nerve. Swift’s dedicated fanbase, known as the “Swifties,” took to social media to condemn the remark, calling it “extremely sexist and degrading.”
Swifties React: Defending Taylor Swift
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that Taylor Swift’s fans will rally in her defense. As the clip circulated online, Swifties wasted no time calling out Berner for what they deemed an inappropriate and misogynistic joke.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “Reducing Taylor to her past relationships is wrong, but doing it in a way that objectifies her is outright vile.” Another chimed in, “I really liked her, but this is just disappointing and not funny at all.”
Other fans pointed out the lackluster audience reaction, noting that the crowd appeared more shocked than amused. “The audience didn’t seem to laugh much—reacted more with a shocked emotion lol,” one observer noted.
Criticism of the Joke’s Impact
The backlash didn’t stop with Swift’s fanbase. Many pointed out the broader implications of jokes that perpetuate sexism and objectification. A fan declared, “That joke was extremely sexist and degrading to Taylor.” Another added, “This really crossed a line.”
While comedy often pushes boundaries, critics argue that Berner’s joke didn’t just cross the line—it obliterated it. Reducing Taylor Swift to a crude punchline in the context of her relationship with Kelce felt like a step backward for many fans, especially given Swift’s longstanding fight to be recognized for her artistry over her personal life.
The Other Side: Defenders of Berner’s Comedy
Not everyone was offended by the joke. Some fans of Berner defended the comedian, arguing that roasts are meant to push boundaries and be intentionally provocative.
One supporter commented, “It’s a roast. What did you expect? G-rated feel-good comedy?” Another added, “Yh kind of inappropriate but it was also kinda funny.”
While defenders of Berner’s joke acknowledged its edginess, they maintained that the goal of a roast is to provoke strong reactions, even if that means crossing into controversial territory.
The Blake Lively Controversy: More Trouble for Berner
The controversy didn’t end with Taylor Swift. In the same Netflix special, Berner also made a joke about Blake Lively amidst the actress’s involvement in a sexual harassment lawsuit. During her routine, Berner quipped, “The word c*nt was trending this year. I don’t think Blake Lively was that bad.”
While the audience laughed, the timing of the joke couldn’t have been worse. The same day the special aired, news of Lively’s lawsuit surfaced, adding fuel to the fire.
Berner quickly addressed the backlash on Instagram, writing, “My joke in the Netflix special was filmed before news of the lawsuit. To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake xoxo.” Despite her clarification, many criticized the joke’s insensitivity and poor timing.
Comedy vs. Controversy: Where’s the Line?
Hannah Berner’s Netflix special reignites an age-old debate: How far is too far in comedy? Roasts are designed to be edgy and uncomfortable, but when jokes cross into the realm of sexism, insensitivity, or poor taste, they can alienate audiences rather than entertain them.
For comedians like Berner, the challenge lies in balancing sharp wit with respect. While humor often thrives on pushing boundaries, it’s crucial to consider the impact of words—especially when targeting public figures like Taylor Swift, whose fanbase is fiercely protective.
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Outrage
The fallout from Berner’s joke highlights the power of social media in shaping public opinion. Within hours of the special’s release, Swifties and other critics had flooded platforms like X with their disapproval, turning a single moment into a viral controversy.
This rapid response underscores the heightened scrutiny public figures face in the digital age. While social media provides a platform for accountability, it also amplifies outrage, making it nearly impossible for controversies to remain contained.
Hannah Berner’s Response: What’s Next?
As of now, Berner has yet to issue a direct apology for the Taylor Swift joke. Her statement regarding the Blake Lively remark suggests that she’s aware of the backlash but unwilling to backpedal completely.
The question remains: Will this controversy hurt her career, or will it simply be another chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of comedy? For now, Berner’s fans seem divided, with some appreciating her boldness and others urging her to reconsider her approach.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Backlash
Hannah Berner’s Netflix special Torching 2024 has sparked a firestorm of debate about the limits of comedy. While roasts are meant to be provocative, her joke about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce crossed a line for many, sparking accusations of sexism and poor taste.
This incident serves as a reminder of the fine balance comedians must strike between humor and sensitivity. In an era where social media magnifies every word, the responsibility to craft thoughtful and impactful comedy has never been greater. Whether Berner learns from this controversy or doubles down on her edgy approach remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the conversation about comedy’s role in culture isn’t going away anytime soon.
