Katt Williams: “Humiliation rituals” in Hollywood

Katt Williams, a popular comedian, has long referred to what he calls “humiliation rituals” in the Hollywood entertainment industry.

His controversial statements have attracted particular attention after numerous interviews, including a recent conversation on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast and on Joe Rogan’s show.

Initially, Williams was famous for criticizing “dress etiquette” – the phenomenon in which male stars, especially black people, are motivated to wear feminine dresses or attire as a symbolic form of “castration”.

According to Williams, this is not just a matter of dress but also a kind of experiment in obedience and submission.

In an interview with Joe Rogan, Williams emphasized:

“It’s not a matter of how people feel about etiquette. The question is whether following etiquette is effective… Tell me about someone who once wore a dress in Hollywood without success. That’s how you understand what etiquette is.”

Williams believes that people are too focused on dresses, when it’s just a superficial expression. According to him, the real problem lies in symbolism – ritual is a way for the elite to test loyalty, obedience and obedience.

Williams is not the only one to mention this phenomenon. Dave Chappelle once shared in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2006 that he was pressured to wear a dress while working on a film with Martin Lawrence. Chappelle refused despite great pressure from the director and crew.

Chappelle wondered, “Why do all these black brothers have to wear skirts at some point in their careers?”

Kevin Hart initially stated that he would not do anything that might affect his brand, but later appeared in a dress on Saturday Night Live playing a pope. Proponents of Williams’ theory point out that after that event, Hart’s career exploded with many film deals, commercials, and sold-out performances.

Recently, when rapper Shabuzzi appeared at the 2024 MetGala in a full turquoise outfit — a short-cut jacket, matching pants, and beads wrapped around his chest — the online community was quick to link this to what Williams had to say about the “humiliation ritual.”

Many people pointed out that Shabuzzi looked uncomfortable when photographed in his outfit, and some believed that turquoise symbolized “spiritual transformation.” Williams’ fans were quick to echo his predictions, saying this was just another example of the phenomenon he warned about.

Williams went further in his statements, linking these “humiliation rituals” to what he saw as the worship of Baphomet among the Hollywood elite. According to Williams, all the staged controversies, bizarre costumes, public humiliation, and the so-called “transgender agenda” have to do with this.

“20 years ago, I knew that transgender people were going to be a trend,” Williams said. Not because I’m a prophet. It’s just that I’ve gotten a lot of information that makes me understand that everything is connected… The earliest I saw the word ‘transgender’ was in the context of Baphomet – a transgender creature.”

Not everyone agrees with Williams. Many criticized him as a conspiracy theorist, and some even accused him of having a homophobic attitude when he talked about men wearing skirts as if it were an automatic act of “castration”.

As for Shabuzzi’s case, many fans defended him, pointing out that he simply followed the theme of this year’s MetGala: “exquisite tailoring, black style”. One fan commented: “It’s MetGala and he’s totally on topic. He’s introducing a designer. What should he wear? A polo shirt?”

Another added: “Don’t you know about dandism? A style created by black people. Especially black men.”

True or false, Williams’ theories have had a significant cultural impact. The phrase “humiliation ritual” has become a common phrase that people use whenever a celebrity appears in a strange outfit or does something controversial.

From Caitlyn Jenner on the Vanity Fair cover to Sam Smith in a latex bubble suit, from Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars to Kanye’s wife appearing almost naked at the Grammys, John Cena presenting at the Oscars with only an envelope covering sensitive areas… The list is long.

Katt Williams has become one of the most vocal voices against what he considers “humiliation” in the entertainment industry. While his views may be controversial, they have created a wide dialogue about power, control, and submissiveness in Hollywood.

A new generation of internet truth-seekers are calling Williams a prophet, citing footage from interviews and comedy performances where he talks about how Hollywood rewards not only talent but obedience.

Whether you believe Williams’ theory or think it’s just over-speculation, there’s no denying that he’s created a new lens to look at how the entertainment industry works.