In 2018, comedian Cat Williams appeared on Atlanta’s V103 radio show, hosted by Wanda Smith, where a heated exchange rapidly turned into an intense on-air roast. While it was initially perceived as a humorous celebrity moment, Williams recently shed light on deeper issues that stemmed from that interaction, which went well beyond mere comedic banter. The events that unfolded impacted both Williams and Smith’s careers, leaving behind a legacy of controversy, alleged violence, and public debates over professional conduct and boundaries.
The Radio Interview That Sparked It All
On that September morning, Williams was a guest on V103, where Wanda Smith and Frank Ski hosted a popular show. What started as a casual interview quickly escalated when Williams criticized fellow comedian Tiffany Haddish. He claimed she lacked originality in her comedy and was unfairly favored in the industry, attributing her success to mainstream appeal rather than talent. Wanda defended Haddish, arguing that Haddish’s “realness” resonated with audiences. In response, Williams dismissed Wanda’s claim, stating that Haddish’s popularity had less to do with skill and more with her marketability.
As tensions rose, Wanda directed questions at Williams that seemed intended to embarrass him, asking about his cooking habits for his children. This line of questioning led to a verbal altercation, with Williams retorting by criticizing Wanda’s culinary skills and reducing her questions to attempts at petty humiliation. Throughout the segment, Williams employed his quick wit and signature biting humor, thoroughly outmaneuvering Wanda in a back-and-forth exchange that many listeners viewed as a comedic takedown. The interview, which was uploaded to YouTube, quickly went viral, solidifying its place in pop culture as a notorious example of an “on-air roast.”
Allegations of a Plot Against Williams
The story took a darker turn when Williams alleged that Wanda’s humiliation on the show led her husband, Lamorris Sellers, to confront him in a threatening manner. Reports indicate that Sellers, visibly upset, approached Williams in the parking lot of the Atlanta Comedy Theater. Security footage from that day reportedly shows Sellers chasing Williams with what appeared to be a weapon. Although Sellers claimed he had accidentally dropped it during the confrontation, Williams believes the encounter was a serious attempt on his life.
In a recent interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, Williams revisited the incident, offering new insights into the events leading up to and following the radio segment. According to Williams, he felt set up by Wanda, who he said promised to keep the conversation focused on his career and avoid personal matters. Williams accused her of reneging on that promise by bringing up his family and past legal troubles to provoke him on-air. He expressed frustration at what he saw as an attempt to undermine him in front of her audience, which he described as largely LGBTQ+. For Williams, Wanda’s comments came across as an attempt to “emasculate” him in front of this demographic, further complicating the context of their altercation.
Professional Repercussions and Public Backlash
Months after the radio interview went viral, Wanda was removed from her position at V103. Though the station never publicly disclosed the exact reason for her dismissal, speculation circulated that her handling of the Williams interview contributed to the decision. This public fall from grace led some fans to blame Wanda for escalating the situation and portraying Williams in a negative light, while others criticized her for the perceived hypocrisy in attempting to demean a fellow Black comedian.
Since the incident, Williams has reflected on how his career has been consistently challenged by public perception and controversy. He remarked that his confrontation with Wanda was ultimately misunderstood by many who dismissed it as typical of his “wild” persona. He also suggested that the media’s portrayal of him has skewed perceptions, as fans often see his confrontational style as the “real” Cat Williams rather than a defensive response to targeted provocations.
A Closer Look at Racial and Cultural Dynamics
The Williams-Smith controversy also touches on broader conversations around representation and favoritism in entertainment. In the interview, Williams questioned why comedians like Haddish, who appeal more to mainstream (primarily white) audiences, are elevated over other Black comedians who he believes are more talented but less marketable. He pointed out that several talented Black female comedians remain overlooked, emphasizing the industry’s reluctance to fully embrace comedians who craft unique, original material. This favoritism, he argued, often results in tokenism that sacrifices true representation for market appeal.
Williams also addressed how Wanda’s attempts to shame him for his association with the LGBTQ+ community backfired. He argued that it’s harmful to use someone’s orientation or perceived orientation as a weapon, especially when presenting oneself as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Williams emphasized that such attempts to label or shame individuals within a cultural context should be questioned, especially when such efforts are directed toward diminishing someone’s worth in the eyes of their audience.
Conclusion
The Cat Williams-Wanda Smith saga illustrates how public personas can clash when personal boundaries and professional respect are crossed. Williams’ recounting of the incident provides a glimpse into the pressures comedians face to maintain their integrity and protect their reputation in the face of scrutiny. His recent comments not only clarified his side of the story but also opened up discussions on fairness, representation, and the media’s role in shaping public opinion. The fallout from this interview remains a cautionary tale of what can happen when personal agendas enter the professional arena, leaving both parties to grapple with the consequences of their actions.
