Tony Hinchcliffe Suicide Joke Backlash: Sheryl Underwood Responds

Sheryl Underwood is shutting down criticism over Tony Hinchcliffe’s suicide jokes at The Roast of Kevin Hart, making it clear she had no issue with the material that sparked backlash online.

Speaking to TMZ after the Netflix event, Underwood defended the roast format and dismissed complaints about the jokes aimed at her late husband, Michael Sparkman, who died by suicide in 1990. “Freedom of speech is alive and well at Netflix,” she said after clips from the roast exploded across social media.

COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.

The roast was already packed with viral moments, including a surprise appearance from Katt Williams and tense exchanges involving Gillis and Chelsea Handler. But Hinchcliffe became one of the night’s biggest trending topics after delivering a joke about Underwood’s husband during his set at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

“Her husband committed suicide three years into the marriage,” he said. “I’ve been sitting next to her for two hours, and I have to ask: how did he last that long?”

The camera immediately cut to Underwood laughing in the audience.

Host Shane Gillis also referenced the tragedy multiple times throughout the night, including jokes involving bridges and the Golden State Warriors logo. While some viewers online called the material “harsh” and “in bad taste,” Underwood fired back with jokes of her own instead of pushing back.

During her set, she roasted Hinchcliffe directly, joking, “Question for the day is, who has had more Black d*ck in this town? Me or Chelsea Handler? The answer is Tony Hinchcliffe.”

Underwood has been candid for years about the impact of losing her husband. In 2018, following the death of Kate Spade, Underwood became emotional discussing suicide and depression. “That pain … it doesn’t go away,” she said at the time.

She also revealed that her husband left behind a note, adding that “the person who is no longer alive has now had the final word.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.