The Gianna and George Floyd Foundation has publicly denounced a recent gesture by Minnesota Republicans that honored former police officer Derek Chauvin, the man convicted of murdering George Floyd. The family says the tribute is “insane” and points to a controversial joke made at a Kevin Hart roast as part of a larger pattern of disrespect toward the Black community.
Why the Family Calls the Gesture “Insane”
Travis Cains, spokesperson for the Gianna and George Floyd Foundation, told TMZ that the family was shocked by the decision of Minnesota GOP delegates to observe a moment of silence for Chauvin during the party’s state convention. “To put a man on the pedestal and hold a moment of silence for him is insane,” Cains said. “The whole world knows that the public lynching of George Floyd was tragic.”
The foundation, which works to promote peace, education, and positive change, believes that honoring Chauvin directly contradicts the message they strive to spread. According to Cains, the family feels the Republican move not only disregards the pain of Floyd’s death but also emboldens those who have previously minimized the impact of racist rhetoric.
The Roast Joke That Sparked Outrage
At a recent Kevin Hart comedy roast, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe delivered a joke that referenced George Floyd’s death in a manner many found offensive. The joke went: “The Black community is so proud of you… right now George Floyd is looking up at us all laughing so hard he can’t breathe.” The punchline, which alluded to the circumstances of Floyd’s murder, quickly went viral on social media.
Kevin Hart, the roast’s host, defended Hinchcliffe by saying the joke was “roast fodder” and that comedians often push boundaries. However, Hart also clarified that he personally would never have made such a remark himself. The Floyd family, along with several other public figures, condemned the joke, arguing that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes and opened “doors for more racism”.
Connecting the Dots: From the Roast to the Minnesota GOP
Family representatives argue that the joke’s circulation contributed to an environment where disrespect toward George Floyd is normalized, making it easier for political actors to take steps like the Minnesota GOP’s moment of silence. Cains explained that the family sees a direct line between the joke’s shock value and the party’s decision, stating, “We feel that Tony’s joke opened up doors for more racism, and we’re seeing that play out in Minnesota.”
While there is no official link between the roast and the GOP’s actions, the timing and public discourse suggest a broader cultural shift that the family finds alarming. The foundation’s concern is that such gestures could embolden extremist elements and undermine ongoing efforts for racial justice.
Key Points from the Family and Foundation
- Moment of Silence for Chauvin: Delegates at the Minnesota GOP state convention observed a silent tribute to Derek Chauvin, sparking nationwide criticism.
- Family’s Reaction: The Floyd family called the tribute “insane” and said it contradicts the memory of George Floyd’s tragic death.
- Roast Controversy: Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke at Kevin Hart’s roast referenced Floyd’s death, leading to condemnation from the family and other Black leaders.
- Kevin Hart’s Defense: Hart described the joke as typical roast material
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