Joe Rogan's new Netflix special "Burn the Boats" ignites internet backlash over controversial jokes

Joe Rogan claimed the clips were taken out of context, but the incident further tarnished his reputation.

Joe Rogan's highly anticipated return to stand-up comedy with his new Netflix special, "Burn the Boats," has been met with a wave of criticism and backlash for its controversial content. The special, released on Saturday, marked Rogan's first stand-up performance since 2018 and quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.

Rogan, who faced scrutiny in 2022 for his remarks about COVID-19 vaccines on his popular podcast, didn't shy away from addressing the criticism during his special. He quipped, "If you're getting your vaccine advice from me, is that really my fault?"

 

Randomly watching Joe Rogan's live special on Netflix and I did not know he was this unfunny. Like objectively bombing

— Spencer Baker (@kirksigdaddy) August 4, 2024

 

You can agree with Joe Rogan’s views, but saying his stand up is “good” or “funny,” crosses a red line for me.

— Brendan Cooney (@CooneyOrDie) August 4, 2024

However, it was his jokes targeting the LGBTQ+ community and Michelle Obama that drew the most ire. In one segment, Rogan joked about Michelle Obama having male genitalia and made transphobic remarks about transgender women using women's restrooms.
 

Joe Rogan’s a savage. pic.twitter.com/QPwWXy7GoC

— Rightwing Nomad (@RWnomad) August 4, 2024

Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), erupted with criticism following the special's release. Users condemned Rogan's jokes as unfunny, offensive, and harmful. Many questioned the comedian's reliance on controversial topics to garner attention and expressed disappointment with his comedic choices.

 

🚨 JUST IN : Joe Rogan joked about Michelle Obama being a man and having a " third leg "

The Obamas are coming for him next pic.twitter.com/OSc7URaHsR

— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) August 4, 2024

This isn't the first time Rogan has faced public backlash. In 2022, he was forced to apologize for using racial slurs in past podcast episodes.

 

Gotta love when Joe Rogan releases a comedy special to remind the world how cringe and unfunny he really is.

Two jokes in all he has covered is weed, aliens and vaccines. I'm tapping out after 9 minutes.

— n i k o l a e s t h e t i c (@nikolaesthetic) August 4, 2024

Rogan claimed the clips were taken out of context, but the incident further tarnished his reputation.