Matt Rife and Zendaya’s ‘Wild N’Out’ appearance included him coming into her personal space in 2015. Here’s what they’ve said about it.
The Gist:
- Comedian Matt Rife and actor Zendaya have been both on a 2015 episode of Wild N’Out
- During the episode, Matt touched Zendaya’s chin without her permission right through a “Talking Spit” section.
- Matt confronted backlash in November 2023 for making unsavory domestic violence shaggy dog story during his Netflix particular, Natural Selection.
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In November 2023, comic Matt Rife discovered himself on the center of a not-so-funny controversy.
During the TikTok influencer’s Netflix particular, Natural Selection, Matt came underneath hearth after making insensitive jokes about home violence. Since then, fanatics have been upset over Matt’s reaction to the shaggy dog story’s backlash.
The comments Matt has gained online regarding his jokes aren’t his first time making headlines for his behavior in opposition to girls. Matt as soon as attempted the unsuitable one: the Queen herself, Zendaya, once they both seemed on an episode of Wild N’ Out.
So, what happened between Matt and Zendaya? Here’s the tea!
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Matt Rife touched Zendaya’s face on ‘Wild N’ Out’ with out permission.
In the fame global, it’s challenging to find an unproblematic fave in this day and age. However, Zendaya seems in a position to control that lane, as the Euphoria superstar infrequently receives consideration for anything else besides her paintings, her relationship lifestyles, and her ability to slay any look she and Law Roach prepare dinner up.
Since Z doesn’t trouble somebody, seeing that she and Matt had prior to now had a run-in is interesting. The drama began in 2015 when Matt was once the youngest co-star of Wild N’ Out.
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In 2015, Zendaya, then 18, gave the impression on the Nick Cannon-produced sequence and battled in opposition to Matt’s workforce. Matt, who used to be 19 then, tried to get Zendaya to spit out a mouthful of water all the way through the sport’s “Talking Spit” section. As Zendaya sits with the water in her mouth, Matt starts baiting her through pronouncing, “Look, you are blended; I need to be Black; let's make an approach to life movie."
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The game becomes even more unbearable after Matt finds his way into Zendaya’s personal space. After commenting on the actor’s race, he walks to Zendaya, grabs her chin, and says, “Spit that water out so I can get your number, please.”
Those watching can immediately see Zendaya’s face shift as she looks away, rubs her chin, and points at Matt to step away. Immediately, her silver Wild N’Out team members jumped to her defense before realizing “she can handle herself” as Zendaya gave him a scathing look.
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Matt Rife and Zendaya’s ‘Wild N’Out’ clip went viral online amid his Netflix special controversy.
Following their incredibly awkward run-in on Wild N’Out, Zendaya and Matt moved on with their individual careers. However, we all know the internet never forgets, and Matt’s transgressions against the Spider-Man actor resurfaced amid the backlash he received from his Natural Selection jokes.
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For some context, during the special, the comedian joked about a female server in what he described as a “ratchet” restaurant serving him and a friend with a black eye. Matt said he and his friend then wondered why the server wasn’t working in the back of the house so as not to distract anyone with her eye, to which Matt responded, “Yeah, but I feel like if she could cook, she wouldn’t have that black eye.”
Matt Rife opens his special with a “if a woman could cook she wouldn’t have a black eye” joke. Really? This is your god?
— Alison Klemp/Fridson (@alisonklemp) November 16, 2023Article continues below advertisement
Matt laughed off the joke onstage, telling his audience, “I figure if we start the show with domestic violence, the rest of the show should be smooth sailing.” After the special aired, Matt received comments from social media users who felt his jokes weren’t funny and made light of domestic violence survivors’ plight.
According to Variety, Matt addressed the controversy on his Instagram story. After “apologizing” to fans, Matt sent those offended by his jokes to a website with special needs helmets.
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On X, formerly Twitter, the comedian’s non-fans said his behavior on his comedy special was something Zendaya may have picked up on during their time on Wild N’Out.
had I known matt rife was the same guy on wild n out that touched zendaya’s face, I would’ve instantly hated him 😭
— necey saw louis (@lwtdayaaa) November 20, 2023Article continues below advertisement
“Y’all just realizing Matt Rife isn't funny? Do y’all not remember when he was on Wild n Out and completely creeped out Zendaya?? Mans a whole ick and definitely got a chin implant,” one user wrote on X.
“I disliked Matt Rife the second I saw that clip of him touching Zendaya‘s face years ago, but wow, he’s just gotten worse,” another shared.
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Did Matt Rife ever apologize to Zendaya?
Matt never formally apologized to Zendaya for his Wild N’Out jokes. However, before the episode’s airing, the comedian posted a photo of the two posing together on set of the improv show.
“Watch me get in @zendaya's non-public area this night on #WildNOut,” Matt captioned the photo, joking concerning the revel in.
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