Why is Matt Rife Getting Cancelled? What Did Matt Rife Say?
by P Nandhini
Updated Nov 23, 2023
Who is Matt Rife?
Matt Rife is a 28-year-old American comedian and actor born on September 10, 1995, known for his charming looks and stand-up comedy. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, he discovered his passion for comedy at the age of 14 when he performed in a high school talent show. Matt quickly transitioned to professional comedy at just 15, gaining recognition for his self-produced YouTube specials, including "Only Fans" in 2021, and later "Matthew Steven Rife" and "Walking Red Flag" in 2023.
Besides his solo work, he's also recognized for his recurring role on the popular sketch improv comedy and rap show, "Wild 'n Out." Growing up in places like North Lewisburg, New Albany, and Mount Vernon, Matt has four siblings and faced the loss of his father, Michael Eric Gutzke, at a very young age.
Despite recent controversies surrounding his comedy, Matt Rife continues to be a rising figure in the stand-up comedy scene, using his humor to connect with audiences, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where he gained immense popularity during the pandemic.
Why is Matt Rife Getting Cancelled?
Matt Rife is facing criticism and controversy due to jokes made in his recent Netflix stand-up comedy special, "Natural Selection." The 28-year-old comedian opened the special with a controversial joke about domestic violence, which sparked outrage among viewers. In the joke, he recounted an encounter with a restaurant hostess with a black eye, making light of the situation and implying that her cooking skills might be related to the injury.
This specific joke, along with others in the special, has led to accusations of sexism and insensitivity, causing a division among his audience and drawing attention to the boundaries comedians navigate when addressing sensitive topics. Despite the backlash, Matt Rife seems unfazed by the criticism, as seen in his response on social media.
He posted a link to what was labeled as his "official apology," but instead led users to a website selling helmets for people with special needs, indicating a dismissive approach to the controversy. The incident highlights the ongoing debate about the limits of comedy and the role of comedians in addressing sensitive subjects while also raising questions about the impact of jokes on social media and cancel culture in the entertainment industry.
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What Did Matt Rife Say?
In his Netflix stand-up comedy special, "Natural Selection," Matt Rife made a controversial joke that drew significant criticism. The comedian opened the show with a quip about a restaurant encounter where he and his friend discussed a hostess with a black eye. Rife's punchline implied a connection between the woman's cooking abilities and the injury, introducing the topic of domestic violence in a manner that many found offensive and inappropriate.
The joke, along with others in the special, led to accusations of misogyny and insensitivity, causing a social media uproar and division among viewers. Despite the backlash, Matt Rife responded to the criticism with what he labeled as an "official apology" on his Instagram stories. However, the link provided directed users to a website selling helmets for people with special needs, suggesting a dismissive attitude towards the controversy.
This response further fueled the debate about the boundaries of comedy, the responsibility of comedians in handling sensitive subjects, and the impact of social media on holding entertainers accountable for their content.
Why is Matt Rife Getting Cancelled? - FAQs
Matt Rife is a 28-year-old American comedian and actor known for his stand-up comedy and appearances on shows like "Wild 'n Out."
Matt Rife started his comedy career at the age of 15, gaining recognition for self-produced YouTube specials like "Only Fans" in 2021.
Matt Rife hails from Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in places like North Lewisburg, New Albany, and Mount Vernon.
Matt Rife is facing criticism for making controversial jokes, particularly in his Netflix special "Natural Selection," which includes content that some find offensive, including a joke about domestic violence.
In "Natural Selection," Matt Rife made a joke implying a connection between a restaurant hostess's black eye and her cooking abilities, sparking controversy.