Comedian Kevin Hart has defended his decision to throw a 'Cowboys and Indians' themed birthday party for his son after it was labeled "offensive" and "disgusting" online.
Hart's wife Eniko took to Instagram to share pictures of their son Kenzo's first birthday party, some of which showed guests posing next to teepees dressed in Native American-style costumes.
Other images show the one-year-old birthday boy dressed as a cowboy, and a cake decorated with teepees.
The social media posts soon sparked a fiery debate in the comments section, with many commenters taking offence to the use of Native American culture.
"Hey, people are not a theme," one comment read.
"Not an arts and crafts project. Not a costume. Not a gag. This party 'theme' was not okay. Your 'costumes' are offensive. And your cake is in poor taste."
"Disgusting. This is equivalent to having a KKK and black slaves party," wrote another.
Hart then took to the airwaves on his SiriusXM radio show to defend himself against the backlash.
"It shows just how stupid our world is becoming with opinions," he said on his show Straight From The Hart.
"People are at a point of an all-time high. To throw racial judgment into the development of a one-year-old's birthday party where the theme is cowboys and Indians? It's based around the outfits that are given to the young kids!"
The comedian also pointed out that NFL teams The Washington Redskins and The Dallas Cowboy's played against each other on the same day as the party.
"As a kid, do we play cops and robbers? As a kid, did you play cowboys and Indians?" he asked.
"What I'm saying is this isn't something that just started. This isn't a racial slur that people are doing or being malicious with. This is a game that's been played for years."
Many fans of the Night School star defended his choice, agreeing that there was no issue with the chosen theme.
"U have the God given right to celebrate ur precious baby boy's birthday however u choose to do so," one fan wrote.
"Please do not apologise for ur freedom to choose what is right for ur family [sic]."
"I think the party looks great!! All these offended snowflakes need to get a life!" said another.
Hart's wife Eniko has not addressed the controversy, but told followers the party was "nothing but amazing" in a caption on one of the snaps.
Hart will bring his stand-up comedy show, The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour, to Auckland's Spark Arena on December 11.
Newshub.
