Wanda Sykes isn't holding back. The Emmy-winning comic recently revealed she turned down an appearance on Netflix's The Roast of Kevin Hart—and that's just the beginning of the drama brewing in comedy circles.
According to Deadline Hollywood, Sykes has been selective about which gigs she takes. She declined Hart's Netflix special for reasons she has since disclosed.
At the 2026 Golden Globes, Sykes delivered a joke about Bill Maher that didn't land as intended. The talk show host confronted her unprompted about the quip backstage, turning what should have been a lighthearted moment into an awkward exchange.
Sykes discussed both incidents during a recent appearance on Vulture, explaining why she declined the roast and how she handles pushback from peers in the comedy world.
Sykes is doing comedy on her own terms. Whether declining high-profile roasts or delivering Golden Globes zingers that provoke reaction, she makes her own choices—and the industry is paying attention.
