Kevin Hart said a joke made by Dwayne Johnson about his late father caught him off guard during a Netflix roast special.
The incident highlights the boundary-pushing nature of the roast format, where comedians and celebrities trade insults to test the limits of public and personal endurance.
During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on June 4, 2026 [1], Hart said Johnson targeted his late father. According to reports, the joke involved the use of a photo described as the worst photo of Hart's father [3]. Hart said that while the content was surprising, such commentary is considered fair game within the specific context of a roast [1].
The Netflix special, titled the "Roast of Kevin Hart," featured several high-profile figures delivering cutting remarks. Hart used his time on the late-night talk show in Los Angeles to recount how the specific joke from Johnson landed differently than other jabs during the event [2].
Johnson, a longtime colleague and friend of Hart, participated in the format to provide comedic commentary on Hart's life and family history [1]. Hart said the experience was part of the expected nature of the performance, despite the personal nature of the target [2].
“Dwayne Johnson made a joke about Hart’s late father that Hart said caught him off guard.”
This exchange underscores the cultural contract of the 'roast,' where participants agree to waive standard social taboos regarding death and family for the sake of comedy. By discussing the moment on a public platform like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Hart reinforces the professional nature of these insults, signaling to the audience that the tension was performative rather than a genuine rift in his relationship with Johnson.
