Joe Rogan is one of the most famous names in the podcasting business and often gets into the spotlight because of the raw and unfiltered nature of his show the Joe Rogan Experience. However, like most celebrities, Rogan isn’t immune to controversies and cancel culture. The famous podcaster recently nearly got himself canceled over some problematic statements on his show.
Actor and comedian Kat Williams recently appeared on Rogan’s show where the two discussed a particular topic concerning the African-American community. However, as Williams spoke, Rogan asked him a controversial question, sparking an online backlash against the podcaster. Here is what Joe Rogan said during the podcast and why it nearly got him canceled.
Joe Rogan Gets Nearly Gets Himself Canceled After Podcast With Katt Williams
Joe Rogan recently hosted actor and comedian Katt Williams on an episode of his podcast the Joe Rogan Experience. Williams appeared on the show to promote his upcoming Netflix special which will be live streamed on the streaming service in May.
During the conversation with Williams, Rogan discussed government overreach, leading to the former talking about California’s ban on menthol cigarettes. According to Williams, the move directly affected the state’s African-American population as it is their preferred flavor of cigarettes.
“Why do Black people like menthol cigarettes so much? What’s that about?”
Rogan made the above statement in response to Williams’ comments. However, Williams refused to solve Rogan’s query and pointed out that the conversation was cancel-worthy. He said:
“You’re gonna get me canceled. This is very racist, this conversation.”
Nonetheless, Rogan tried to press Williams by seeking his insight on the African-American community’s preference for menthol cigarettes. According to reports, menthol cigarettes are heavily advertised and priced cheaper in the African-American communities.
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The predatory marketing of menthol cigarettes has adversely affected Black people, making Rogan’s statement borderline racist. While Williams avoided making any further comments, he clarified that African Americans have a preference for richer and stronger flavors.
Social Media Users Outrage Over Joe Rogan’s Controversial Comments
Given the widely known impact of menthol cigarettes on the African-American community, many netizens felt that it was inappropriate for Rogan to ask Williams a question regarding the same. As a result, Rogan faced heavy online backlash as some social media users labeled him as a racist because of his controversial comments.
Here is how X users reacted to Rogan’s comments in the podcast with Katt Williams.
Joe Rogan is a racist idiot, I never watched his podcast a day in my life
— Alonzo Harris (@EkpoNeptune) March 1, 2024
We don't watch the racist Joe Rogan
— CJ (@artnkicks) March 3, 2024
Cause it wasn’t that good 🤣 whatever Joe was trying to “recreate” didn’t happen… the whole time I was just wondering how much Katt got paid for this bs
— brody jahad (@brody3rd825) March 2, 2024
Katt Williams is big in the black community. No one cares to see him on Joe Rogan’s podcast. It’s full of weird/ignorant questions and borderline racist topics we aren’t interested in. It crossed over because of the natural feel it had with Sharpe. Rogans interview isn’t that.
— G (@G02306592) March 3, 2024
I don't watch racist bigots
— Truck-kun's weed carrier (@7thangelProd) March 3, 2024
As the tweets suggest, netizens were less than enthusiastic about the podcast, particularly because of Rogan’s borderline racist comments. Moreover, several users also accused Rogan of trying to artificially recreate the sensational nature of Williams’ comments during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, which has crossed over 61 million views on YouTube.
Meanwhile, this wasn’t the first time Rogan got into a controversy because of his racially insensitive comments. In 2022, a video compilation of Rogan using a racial slur on his podcast went viral online. As a result, Rogan had to issue a public apology and narrowly avoided getting canceled at the time. Nonetheless, it seems that Rogan’s comments continue to fuel controversy, earning the podcaster publicity for all the wrong reasons.
