Comedy Central have apparently cut jokes from the broadcast of the Justin Bieber Roast, that referenced the death of Fast and Furious star, Paul Walker.
Actor, rapper and friend of Walker, Ludacris was one of the 'roasters' and duly took aim at Bieber and other roasters.
Veteran of these things, comedian Jeff Ross addressed Ludacris saying “‘Move bitch, get out of the way!’ is what Paul Walker should’ve told that tree,“Too soon? Too fast? Too furious?” That's a lyric from one of Ludacris' most popular songs.
He wasn't the only one.
“Just this past year, Justin got arrested for drag racing,” said “Saturday Night Live” star and roaster Pete Davidson. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t with Paul Walker." When the crowd groaned, he responded "What? He’s doing great! He’s got a movie coming out!”
A couple of years ago at another roast comedian Amy Schumer made a joke about Jackass star Ryan Dunn, when addressing co-star Steve-O, and the station look a lot of flak for leaving it in. Schumer didn't apologise, as she made clear it was a joke and to apologise would imply she meant what she said.
It's worth pointing out that while the jokes are obviously in bad taste, that's kind of the point of these things. Worst, most offensive thing you can say to someone. Comedy Central obviously felt it was best left at the event and not suitable for broadcast.
“Roasts often push the limits of good taste and we give the participants full reign to try things knowing we have the edit to shape the show,” said a Comedy Central spokesperson in a statement. “Sometimes the line is discovered by crossing it. The Paul Walker references will not be in the telecast.” Said the cable network in a statement.
Walker's last role in Fast 7 is garnering praise in SXSW were it premiered as the trades commend the filmmakers and studio for their handling of the tragic death of the star and his characters exit from the franchise.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
