Black corded microphone with stand
Black corded microphone with stand Unsplash

Matt Rife, the American comedian who skyrocketed to fame through viral crowd-work clips, is once again a trending topic in the United States.

From Netflix backlash and personal romance updates to his massive 2025 Stay Golden Tour, Rife has remained in the spotlight for a mix of reasons. So what exactly happened to Matt Rife, and what is next for the controversial comic?

Matt Rife Netflix Controversy: Backlash Over 'Natural Selection' Joke

Matt Rife's rise from internet favourite to Netflix headliner hit a snag in November 2023, when his stand-up special Natural Selection drew immediate criticism.In the opening minutes of his Netflix special Natural Selection, Rife joked that a restaurant hostess with a black eye must be unable to cook, suggesting her injuries were deserved, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The joke prompted a social media firestorm, with advocacy groups and audiences accusing Rife of making light of abuse. Hashtags like #CancelMattRife and #NaturalSelectionNetflix began trending within hours of the special's release. Some viewers threatened to boycott the platform entirely.

Matt Rife Defends Himself With Support from Dave Chappelle

Rather than offer a traditional apology, Rife fuelled the backlash further by posting a now-deleted Instagram story linking to a website selling helmets for children with disabilities. Many called the response 'tone-deaf', while others saw it as a deliberate stance against what he labelled 'cancel culture'.

Speaking to The Independent, Rife later defended the special, saying it was designed for 'a different audience' and claiming that several abuse survivors had reached out to thank him. He also revealed that fellow comedian Dave Chappelle had advised him not to apologise. 'If you apologise, you still lost,' Chappelle reportedly told him.

Matt Rife 'Stay Golden Tour' 2025: Arena Comeback Announced

Despite the backlash, Rife's career appears far from over. His Stay Golden Tour, launched in early 2025, includes headline dates at major venues, including New York's Madison Square Garden on 19 July. Additional shows are scheduled across North America, with a global tour in development for 2026 under the title UNFILTERED: Live Around the World.

Rife's Netflix follow-up special Lucid is already in post-production, and he is expanding into acting with roles in I Live Here Now, Rolling Loud and Candy Flip. As reported by Info Petite Nation, this career growth reflects Rife's strategic shift from social media crowd-work clips to building a lasting presence in mainstream comedy and entertainment.

Who Is Matt Rife's New Girlfriend?

Rife's personal life is also making headlines. He has been linked romantically to fitness influencer Mariah Morse, with the two spotted holding hands at a Rhode Island club and together at several Los Angeles, according to TMZ. Though Rife has not publicly confirmed the relationship, outlets report they've been seeing each other for several months

The new romance follows his previous relationship with British actress and dancer Jessica Lord, which ended amicably in 2024 after nearly a year together.

Plastic Surgery Rumours Addressed in New Memoir

Alongside his career updates, Rife has also addressed persistent rumours about plastic surgery. Fans speculated about dramatic changes in his appearance, which he firmly denies in his 2025 memoir Your Mum's Gonna Love Me. According to People, he explains that his transformation was due to late-onset puberty and intense gym routines, not cosmetic procedures

Matt Rife Comeback 2025: Redemption or Career Reinvention?

Matt Rife's comeback tour, ongoing film projects, and social media presence suggest he remains a prominent figure despite recent controversies. With sold-out shows and global plans in the works, public interest in both his comedy and personal life continues to grow.

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