Martin Lawrence is weighing in on the conversation surrounding ‘Martin’ and the jokes that still spark debate decades later.

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In an interview with FOX’s Marissa Mitchell, the comedy icon recently responded to viral comments from Ari Lennox, who questioned the recurring digs at Tichina Arnold’s character Pam, suggesting the humor leaned into colorist tropes. While acknowledging Lennox’s perspective, Lawrence said:

“That’s the way Black people joke. We go hard. Me and Tichina were just having a lot of fun and we were just keeping it real, there was no malice intent.”

The discussion intensified after Arnold shared her own recollections, alleging that Tisha Campbell faced harsh reactions from studio audiences early on, comments she later clarified and apologized for.

The moment has reopened a layered conversation about comedy, context and how beloved TV moments age over time.

Watch a clip from the interview below:

 

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