Mike Epps is in hot water with fans after sharing his stance on food stamps. According to Complex, while appearing on The Breakfast Club, the comedian asserted that government aid is doing more harm than good in the Black community. His comments come after President Donald Trump signed a bill to fund SNAP benefits until September 2026, restoring government support for around 42 million Americans, CBS News reported.
Here’s what Epps said and how social media is reacting to his argument.
Epps argued that food stamps encourage unhealthy eating habits
According to The Shade Room, around 41 minutes into the interview, the 54-year-old shared that he encouraged those concerned about the pause on food stamps during the government shutdown to not “worry about that.”
“See, Black people, we’ve been getting our shit cut off. We’ve been getting our doors kicked in and stuff. This is not for us,” he said.
The Upshaws star added, “So don’t take this as personal about the food stamps and all that. I’m actually glad they’re cutting some of these n***as off food stamps because some of us need to not be on food stamps because it’s a trickle-down effect.”
Epps claimed that SNAP benefits and similar government aid hinder the Black community and encourage unhealthy eating habits.
“You get the food stamps, then you go buy the food that gives you cancer, then you eat the food that gives you cancer, then you’re sad, you’re walking around here upset, your diet’s fucked up,” he said. “Now, I’m gonna tell you some honest God truth. Your diet done sent a lot of n***as to prison.”
Charlamagne Tha God playfully warned Epps that his comments would result in people calling him “MAGA Mike,” but the comedian continued to underscore his perspective.
“No, they can’t say that about me. See, that’s one thing about me and little Boosie Badazz: we can’t be canceled,” he told The Breakfast Club host.
Charlamagne Tha God laughed but noted that his stance would land him in hot water with fans.
The comedian fired back, “F**k the internet! … and everybody out there that think they wanna be mad and say something: f**k you, man.”
Fans are not happy with Epps after clips of the interview circulated online
Turns out Charlamagne Tha God was right. Fans are not happy with Epps and have called out the comedian on social media, arguing that his privilege is clouding his judgment.
“You need to fix those SNAP benefits comments bro. You are off, and when you are wrong, you should be ok with saying “I’m wrong.” We can chat more offline if you want,” one user commented on the morning radio show’s Instagram post about Epps’ appearance.
Some, however, sided with Epps’ take on food stamps’ impact on the Black community
“We need to preach and teach healthy eating consistently to black folks,” a user commented on a clip of the interview on Facebook.
Epps has yet to address the backlash.
