In the ever-expanding social era, the perceived missteps of public figures continue to haunt them just as quickly as a Tweet is composed. The latest group of gentlemen to have their words used against them are now comedians Chris Rock, Ricky Gervais, & Louis C.K. who all appeared in a 2011 special alongside Jerry Seinfeld.
In a new clip that has since found its way onto the Internet, the former three men have been brought under fire for their lax use of the word "ni--er." The clip in question begins with C.K. stating that "when white people are rich, they're just rich, forever and ever. Even their kids are rich." He adds, "But when a black guy gets rich, it's a countdown to when he's poor again."
Chris Rock goes on to assert that Louis C.K. is the "blackest white guy" he knows before C.K. cuts him off to add, "You're saying I'm a ni--er."
Chris Rock goes onto reply, "Yes, you are the ni--erest fucking white man."
Chris Rock and Louis C.K.'s friendship and professional relationship date back to the [90s when C.K. was a writer on The Chris Rock Show, which offers a semblance of an explanation for such an exchange that has stirred up controversy among others.
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Notably, it's Jerry Seinfeld, most known for his clean observational comedy, who looks to be the most uncomfortable out of the bunch.
"I don't think he could do that," Seinfeld says. "I don't think he has those qualities."
The rest of the group tries to explain to Seinfeld that this is the difference between Rock and C.K. and Seinfeld and Gervais.
"We say 'ni--er' on stage," Louis says. "You guys don't."
To that remark, Gervais adds, "We can pair up in different ways but that's definitely a pairing. Who says 'ni--er' on stage? We don't."
"But, you just did," Seinfeld replies.
Naturally, the video has stirred up the classic debate of the use of the N-word across race and culture, with many users placing blame on Chris Rock for allowing C.K. to use the word freely while praising Seinfeld for saying something contrary to the general sentiment in the room. Others have brought into question perceived hypocrisy among critics to call out C.K. for using the word while having no issue when Black comedians use it onstage.
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