Entertainment

Paul Walker jokes cut from Justin Bieber roast, Comedy Central says

Comedy Central plans to cut Paul Walker's jokes when it airs the Justin Bieber roast because they 'push the limits of good taste,' a spokesperson says.

'Roasts often push the limits of good taste,' spokesperson for the channel says

This composite shows Canadian pop star Justin Bieber and the late The Fast and the Furious star Paul Walker. Comedy Central says jokes made about Walker during the Bieber roast will be cut from the March 30 telecast. (Kevin Winter, Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)

When Justin Bieber's roast airs on Comedy Central, the program will not include jokes about Paul Walker, star of The Fast and the Furious who died in a car crash, according to a representative from the channel.

Hosted by Kevin Hart, the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber, taped Saturday at Sony Studios and featured Snoop Dogg, Shaquille O'Neal and Martha Stewart, among others.

Host Kevin Hart, left, and Jeffrey Ross appear on stage at the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber at Sony Pictures Studios on Saturday. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/Associated Press)
A number of jokes from the March 14 taping have become public ahead of the show's March 30 premiere, including a number that referenced Walker, who died in 2013.

"Roasts often push the limits of good taste and we give the participants full rein to try things knowing we have the edit to shape the show," a spokesperson told the Hollywood Reporter.

"Sometimes the line is discovered by crossing it. The Paul Walker references will not be in the telecast."

Not everyone was laughing

During the taping, comedian Natasha Leggero poked fun at a fellow roaster, saying, "I'm not saying Martha Stewart is old, but she needs a new Walker more than The Fast and the Furious franchise."

Saturday Night Live comedian Pete Davidson also joined in saying, "Just this past year, Justin got arrested for drag racing. Unfortunately it wasn't with Paul Walker. What? He's doing great! He's got a movie coming out!"

Recording artist Ludacris reacts to a joke he didn't like during the taping of the roast. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Veteran roaster Jeff Ross also made some unprintable Paul Walker jokes. They went over so badly, the audience booed and panellist Ludacris, who appeared in The Fast and the Furious 7 with Walker, appeared visibly offended.

At one point, the rapper gave the thumbs down and gestured to the cameras to cut taping.

Bieber, the night's guest of honour, also thought some comedians pushed the limits.

"I didn't particularly like the Paul Walker jokes," he told reporters after the taping.

The roast will air in Canada on March 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

With files from The Associated Press