Matt Rife is a stand-up comedian whose recent Netflix comedy special has generated widespread animus from many people – even his fans!
Natural Selection, his special, is an offensive attack against those who helped propel him to fame. Social media users shared clips from his podcast appearances which were especially offensive and inappropriate, prompting further outrage on social media platforms.
He’s a comedian
Matt Rife, a white comedian with extensive fame since the release of his Netflix special Natural Selection in 2018, has seen immense success and his tour is already sold-out. However, Rife has received criticism for his regressive comedy. To defend his stance and avoid offence he claims comedy as a space where offensive jokes are acceptable as long as they remain funny; echoing Dave Chappelle who believes an offensive joke still warrants telling.
Ohio native and 28-year-old Anthony Lapp first rose to fame via TikTok, posting clips of his crowd interaction bits. One such clip, in which he talked with female audience member about her breakup with an ER worker, went viral and has over 40 million hits; since then he has gone on tour and signed a deal with Netflix; yet some criticize his regressive humor as alienating women and other minority groups.
He’s an actor
Matt Rife has enjoyed an extensive comedy career. Beginning his performances at just 15 years old, the Ohio native quickly went on tour with Dane Cook, Ralphie May, Finesse Mitchell and Mike Epps among many others. Additionally he featured as one of Wild ‘n Out’s stars while making guest appearances on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Fresh Off the Boat as well.
After finding fame on TikTok, Rife transitioned from random MTV variety shows to his own stand-up specials on Netflix. His first special was an overwhelming success; people loved Natural Selection; it even seemed that women specifically took an interest in him.
Rife’s success, however, hasn’t come without health issues; recently he had to postpone two shows at Ryman Auditorium due to what he described as an unexpected medical emergency – ticket holders for these cancelled performances will receive refunds; additionally he’s signed a development deal with Netflix for a workplace sitcom development deal.
He’s a writer
Matt Rife hails from Ohio and gained international attention on TikTok due to viral videos and media hype. Inspired by comedians such as Dane Cook, Rife decided to pursue comedy as a career after high school – eventually becoming one of Ohio’s acclaimed stand-up comics and accomplished writers with over five million YouTube views and six million-plus Netflix special views!
He is currently writing and producing a workplace comedy sitcom for Netflix and has produced his own special on crowd work, which will soon be made available online. Furthermore, he plans to release a comedy album.
Rife’s success hasn’t come without difficulty; his health issues have forced him to cancel two shows in Indiana due to illness and postpone his appearances at Chicago Theatre and Nashville Ryman Auditorium respectively. Rife apologized to ticket holders; venues indicated that new dates would be forthcoming.
He’s a musician
Matt Rife is enjoying tremendous success after recording his second stand-up special. With millions of loyal fans worldwide and sellout venues around the globe, his success has also thrust his personal life into the public eye; specifically his romance with Jessica Lord who has touched so many hearts worldwide and frequently shares glimpses into their romance through Instagram posts and other platforms.
His new Netflix special, Natural Selection, has drawn criticism from critics citing misogynist and ableist jokes in it. Furthermore, critics have condemned his behavior on social media as well as an appearance he made on Tana Mongeau’s podcast Cancelled earlier this year.
Due to his health concerns, his shows at Chicago Theatre and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville have been postponed and ticket holders will receive refunds. Currently he is recovering from extreme exhaustion symptoms that nearly caused him to faint on his way to Indiana performance, according to doctors advice he should take two weeks off before continuing performing again.