Netflix is facing backlash again after releasing a new special featuring comedian Matt Rife, drawing criticism over a past controversial joke he made about domestic violence.
The controversy traces back to 2023, when Rife’s comedy special, Natural Selection, was released on Netflix.
The comedian faced significant backlash after making a particularly crude joke that many viewers found not only unfunny but outright offensive.
In the special, Rife shared a story about visiting Baltimore, where he noticed a hostess with a black eye.
His response? A tasteless quip suggesting she deserved the injury because she couldn’t cook—a remark that sparked a wave of backlash.
“I’ve only been to Baltimore once,” Rife began, setting the scene. “And the hostess who seats you had a black eye—a full black eye.”
He continued, “It wasn’t like, ‘What happened?’ It was pretty obvious what happened.”
The joke took an even darker turn as Rife added, “My boy, who I was with, was like, ‘Yeah, I feel bad for her, man. I feel like they should put her in the kitchen or something where nobody has to see her face.'”
Then came the punchline that sent shockwaves: “Yeah, but I feel like if she could cook, she wouldn’t have that black eye.”
Unsurprisingly, many did not find the humor and criticized the comedian for his insensitivity.
Rife, however, appeared unfazed by the criticism, brushing it off by claiming he was “testing the waters.”
“I figured if we start the show with domestic violence, the rest of the show should be smooth sailing,” Rife said in a now-infamous attempt to downplay the audience’s reaction.
But the damage was done.
Critics and fans alike took to social media to express their disgust, accusing Rife of crossing a line that should never have been crossed.
The backlash didn’t stop there. Rife later told The New York Times that he found the reaction to his joke “insane.”
“You’re mad at somebody who’s just trying to make you laugh?” he questioned, still seemingly bewildered by the negative response.
For many, Rife’s defense only added fuel to the fire.
This wasn’t the first time Rife had found himself embroiled in controversy.
