Comedian Deon Cole has drawn significant criticism following his performance at the 57th NAACP Image Awards held on February 28, 2026, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. During a segment that was intended to be a prayer, Cole made several controversial remarks that many have deemed disrespectful.
In his opening, Cole shouted, “F*ck ICE!” before launching into a series of jokes that mocked various subjects, including Brazilian Butt Lifts and individuals with Tourette Syndrome. His delivery was framed as a prayer, which raised eyebrows among attendees and viewers alike.
Cole began his remarks by addressing the audience’s need for prayer, stating, “In the world today, a lot of people are going through a whole lot of stuff. They really are. And, they lack prayer.” He then proceeded to request blessings for several celebrities, including Teyana Taylor and 50 Cent, using humor that many found inappropriate for the occasion.
As part of his humorous prayer, he said, “Lord, I want you to bless our sister Teyana Taylor. Keep her single and away from 6’3′′ green-eyed men with muscles, lord. Give the average man a chance with her, lord.” This set the tone for the remainder of his remarks, which included a controversial mention of Nicki Minaj, where he implied that her recent struggles might be linked to medical issues.
The comedian concluded his prayer with a remark directed at white men in the audience, suggesting they should be cautious if they had Tourette Syndrome. “If there [are] any white men out here in the audience, lord, with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they better read the room tonight,” he said, prompting a swift backlash from many viewers.
Social media erupted in response to Cole’s performance, with numerous users expressing their outrage. One commenter referenced the scripture Galatians 6:7, stating, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Another noted that societal boundaries regarding humor seem to have eroded, saying, “There used to be a line people wouldn’t cross. But those lines are completely gone nowadays.”
Cole’s performance has sparked a larger conversation about the appropriateness of humor in sensitive contexts, particularly regarding religious themes. Some have suggested that he may need to bolster security at future performances, given the intensity of the backlash.
As the controversy unfolds, many are left questioning whether Cole’s actions were a step too far or simply a misguided attempt at humor. The video of the prayer continues to circulate, leaving audiences divided on its implications and appropriateness.
