L: ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 14: Comedian/radio personality Rickey Smiley attends the Atlanta opening night of "The WIZ" at The Fox Theatre on November 14, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) R: NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 13: Comedian Katt Williams performs during his Conspiracy Theory Tour at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on November 13, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images)
Whew! Katt Williams has everybody giving responsive statements after dropping bombshell comments in a recent interview. Rickey Smiley is the latest celebrity to react to Katt amid a growing list that includes Cedric The Entertainer, Michael Blackson, and Kevin Hart.
The multi-lane talent addressed Katt during his morning show on Thursday (Jan. 4). For context, while interviewing with Shannon Sharpe, Williams addressed the casting on ‘Friday After Next.’
The comedian claimed that Rickey was “bitter” while they were filming over Katt’s ‘Money Mike’ role. This alleged bitterness extended to Rickey deciding to watch the film at home rather than be at its premiere.
Katt added that Rickey Smiley told people he stole the role to “get his name in the same sentence with a great one.” He called the alleged situation “sad.”
“He told everybody, ‘It should’ve been my role.’ Everybody on the scene. Why do you think no cast member has ever said anything?”
Meanwhile, in his response to Katt, Rickey Smiley swore he went to Los Angeles to audition for the Money Mike role.
“I had no reason to go on Shannon Sharpe show and lie about any of that. That’s what I auditioned for. I guess when Katt Williams did it, they added the whole pimp twist to that character, which was actually a better decision and made it funnier cause ain’t no way in hell I could’ve executed that role like that. And I’m glad they made that decision, and they put me in a Santa Claus role, which was actually perfect.”
As the interview continued, Williams dropped a lil’ tea that “Hollywood has never heard of in a million years.” Katt alleged that he negotiated a contract specifying what role Rickey Smiley was limited to.
“He was so egregious, not now, then that…and Hollywood has never heard this in a million years. He was so egregious I put in my contract that I won’t work with Rickey Smiley again unless he’s in a dress. Now, what was Rickey Smiley’s next movie? Was it ‘Next Sunday’? Did he wear a dress in it? You bet he did, it’s in my contract.”
Shannon then asked Katt to clarify why he would add such a clause to his own contract. He replied, “That’s where he’s the believable actor.”
However, Rickey Smiley said such a contract has never existed. He said he got a personal call about his Bernice Jenkins role on ‘First Sunday’ and filmed his scenes in one day.
“It had nothing to do with Katt Williams’ contract or whatever. I respect Katt, definitely disappointed that you have to get on the air and explain something like this.”
He also added that all of his comedy shows have been packed out since 1997. This, in particular, was in response to Katt Williams saying he’s not funny. Despite Katt’s comments, Smiley added that it’s “all love” on his side.
Swipe below to hear Rickey Smiley’s response and see Katt’s comments.
Aside from addressing Rickey Smiley, Katt highlighted how he impacted the film’s script. He claimed that his character, Money Mike, had a scene where another character assaulted his pimp character in a bathroom. However, the scene was allegedly cut after he insisted it should be.
Katt Williams told Shannon:
“We’re trying to make a classic comedy, and this comedy involves a rape, and rape is never funny, no matter who it happens to or what the circumstances are.”
He allegedly told the team: “If you would allow me to allow us to do this movie without a Black man getting raped in it, I promise you that it will be twice as funny.”
At this time, Ice Cube and New Line Cinema have not confirmed or denied this alleged sexual assault scene, per Entertainment Tonight.
