The tension between comedians Cat Williams and Tiffany Haddish has been brewing for years, with multiple public exchanges adding fuel to the fire. This feud, which began in 2018, recently resurfaced after Williams made new comments about Haddish during an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast. To understand the current state of this dispute, let’s take a look back at its origins and how both stars have responded to each other over time.
The 2018 Incident: Cat Williams’ Criticism
In 2018, Cat Williams gave an interview on Frank and Wanda’s morning show where he openly criticized Tiffany Haddish’s rise to fame. He questioned her credentials as a comedian, arguing that she hadn’t done a comedy tour or a special to prove her comedic prowess. Williams went so far as to claim that Haddish’s role in Girls Trip didn’t showcase her talent as a writer or comedian but rather capitalized on a script written by someone else.
“Can you tell me your favorite Tiffany Haddish joke?” Williams asked, suggesting that Haddish hadn’t earned her spot among the top comedians. He insinuated that Hollywood had promoted her over other, more deserving female comedians, including Monique, whom he admired for her body of work.
Kevin Hart Defends Haddish
In response to Williams’ remarks, Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart appeared on The Breakfast Club to address the controversy. Hart, known for his friendship with Haddish, passionately defended her, accusing Williams of deflecting blame for his own shortcomings. Hart argued that Williams had opportunities to reach the same level of success but had sabotaged his career by missing promotional shoots and engaging in reckless behavior.
“When do you take responsibility for your actions?” Hart asked, highlighting that Williams had been given a shot at stardom but lost it due to poor choices, including drug use. He also pointed out that Williams had failed to use his platform to uplift other comedians, unlike Hart, who had mentored and supported rising stars, including Haddish.
Haddish Claps Back
Tiffany Haddish, though not initially vocal about Williams’ comments, eventually addressed them both in interviews and on stage. During a comedy performance, Haddish acknowledged that she had faced challenges in the industry, such as being denied opportunities at certain venues like The Comedy Store. However, she pointed out that she still performed on nights geared toward black and Latino audiences.
Haddish emphasized that her journey in comedy began in the 1990s and that her rise to fame was no accident. “I’ve been telling jokes since 1996,” she said, defending her long-standing presence in the industry. She also humorously commented on Williams’ incorrect information about her, stating, “I just wish he would get his facts right about me.”
The Latest Exchange: Cat Williams on “Club Shay Shay”
The feud reignited when Cat Williams appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast. In the interview, Williams revisited his critique of Haddish, claiming that her career achievements were exaggerated. He implied that comedians like Kevin Hart and Haddish didn’t have the same credibility as other performers and that their success was more manufactured by Hollywood than earned through talent.
This led to another round of responses from Haddish, who remained unfazed by Williams’ comments. She continued to defend her career and achievements, pointing out the numerous barriers she had overcome to reach her current status.
Conclusion
The ongoing back-and-forth between Cat Williams and Tiffany Haddish highlights the complex dynamics within the comedy industry, where talent, opportunity, and public perception often collide. While Williams has made it clear that he questions Haddish’s place in the spotlight, Haddish has consistently stood her ground, using humor and resilience to navigate the criticism. As this feud continues to make headlines, it serves as a reminder of the challenges comedians face in a highly competitive and often cutthroat industry.
