Kevin Hart to Don Lemon: 'Don't Compare Redskins to the N-Word'

During his weekly commentary on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” CNN’s Don Lemon asked, “Is Redskins the new “n-word” for Native Americans?” guest comedian Kevin Hart expressed his disapproval.

Hart tried at first to be polite, saying, “Don, I’m on your side,” as he agreed with the concept—if people find something offensive, it should be considered. However, Hart said the “n-word” comparison was “not at all” fair.

Lemon said he wasn’t comparing the meaning of the words—only their similarity in “origin.” 

Host Tom Joyner joined in, stating, “you did compare the two.” Hart and Joyner did not let up on the CNN host, arguing the word “Redskins” has been a beloved team name “celebrated” in American culture for 70 years and was never used as a racial slur by the general public. The two insisted that comparing it to the “n-word” was unacceptable.

Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN.