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Minnesota GOP’s Moment of Silence for Derek Chauvin Draws Fury and Links to Kevin Hart Roast

Floyd family and state officials say the tribute shows how permissive comedy and platform choices can embolden racially harmful acts.

Overview

  • Delegates at the Minnesota Republican state convention held a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis officer convicted in George Floyd’s death.
  • Members of the Gianna and George Floyd Foundation called the tribute “insane” and said it dishonors Floyd while blaming recent roast material for opening a door to more racism.
  • Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison described the GOP tribute as an act of profound cruelty that wounded the Floyd family.
  • Kevin Hart defended Tony Hinchcliffe’s George Floyd joke from the Netflix roast as part of roast comedy and declined to apologize or stop the performer, while Hinchcliffe has not issued a substantive apology.
  • The episode has widened debate over platform and performer responsibility, raising questions about Netflix’s editorial oversight and the real-world effects of provocative comedy on political gestures and racial harm.