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Joe Rogan is facing backlash online following a “racist” question to comedian Katt Williams.
The stand-up star and actor appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience on Thursday to promote his upcoming Netflix special, and the duo discussed everything from driverless cars to and Hollywood’s “hidden agenda” during the three-hour interview.
But one of Rogan’s questions raised eyebrows online, and social media users hit out at the UFC commentator for trying to “trigger” Williams.
While discussing government overreach, William’s described California’s ban on menthol cigarettes a move that “hurt Black people,” telling Rogan the flavor is often chosen by African American smokers.
“Why do Black people like menthol cigarettes so much? What’s that about?” Rogan asked.
Rogan said: “I’m just talking about a cigarette that people like,” to which Williams responded: “A Black person getting ready to answer this—it’s terrible on all ends.”
Nevertheless, the 52-year-old did somewhat answer Rogan’s question, claiming that Black people prefer “richer and stronger” flavors.
Social media users blasted at Rogan, calling the podcaster “racist.”
“Joe Rogan is a racist idiot,” said Alonzo Harris on X, formerly Twitter.
“Joe Rogan is racist but he doesn’t think he is!” agreed Coach Antony.
“Joe Rogan podcast is literally RACIST,” wrote D. “I don’t support ANY BLACK PERSON going on there. [I don’t care] if it IS KATT WILLIAMS.”
Some users suggested Rogan was trying to upset Williams in an attempt to go viral like the comedy star’s interview with Shannon Sharpe.
Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast received 41 million views in less than a week following Williams’ appearance in January.
During the show, Williams attacked several fellow comedians, including Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and Kevin Hart, along with claiming to turn down a party invitation from P. Diddy due to the sexual assault allegations against the rapper.
X @Lvufc2023 hit out at Rogan’s “click bait question.”
“Joe Rogan tryna beat Shannon numbers by asking a Lowkey racist question,” commented @CamAlexander22.
“Joe Rogan racist a** will never have a bigger interview than Shannon sharpes katt williams one,” said @CaribBacchanal. “That’s why he’s trying to trigger katt to make it go viral but it’s a fail.”
However, some users defended Rogan, accusing Williams of being “triggered.”
“Lmao how is Joe Rogan racist? Sounds like someone’s projecting,” said Patrick.
“Katt Williams is a poor pathetic cry baby,” wrote @Michele74199082.
Newsweek has reached out to Joe Rogan and Katt Williams via email for comment.
The 56-year-old has had several heated discussions on the Joe Rogan Experience since its launch in 2009.
The former TV host clashed with Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos over his views on Christianity in 2015, after Rogan said the Bible is “easily scientifically disproven.”
Rogan host also had a fiery debate with Blink-182 member Tom DeLonge over the musician’s belief in time travel and UFOs in 2017, followed by a 2019 dispute with Mikhaila Peterson, daughter of conservative commentator and psychologist Jordan Peterson, over the benefits of a meat-only diet.
