Tom Brady’s recent Netflix roast has sparked a whirlwind of controversy, particularly around his decision to prioritize his career over his family. The event, which featured a slew of comedians taking jabs at the former NFL star, has left a significant impact on his personal life, especially with his ex-wives Gisele Bündchen and Bridget Moynahan.
Brady, who seemed to have underestimated the potential fallout from the roast, has since expressed regret. On a recent episode of The Pivot Podcast, he admitted that he didn’t fully consider how the jokes would affect his family. “I liked when the jokes were about me. I thought they were so fun. I didn’t like the way they affected my kids,” Brady confessed. He acknowledged that the roast, which he initially thought would be a light-hearted affair, ended up causing more harm than he anticipated.
The roast included jokes that touched on sensitive aspects of Brady’s personal life, including his high-profile divorce from Bündchen. Comedian Nikki Glaser, one of the roasters, made several jokes about Bündchen, which reportedly left the supermodel feeling “hurt all over again.” Glaser later expressed her hope that Bündchen would forgive her, emphasizing that the nature of a roast is to push boundaries.
Brady’s decision to allow jokes about his ex-wife while stopping a joke about Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s massage parlor scandal has been particularly contentious. This selective censorship has led to accusations that Brady prioritized his career and professional relationships over his family. Bündchen, in particular, felt that Brady’s actions during the roast were a continuation of his tendency to put his career first.
In his podcast appearance, Brady tried to make amends, stating, “I’m going to be a better parent as I go forward because of the roast.” He emphasized the importance of laughter and fun but acknowledged that the event had unintended consequences. “If we’re not laughing about things, we’re crying. We should have more fun,” he said, though his words seemed to ring hollow for those affected by the roast.
The fallout from the roast has also highlighted the broader issue of how public figures manage their personal lives in the spotlight. Brady’s decision to participate in the roast, despite its potential to dredge up painful memories for his family, has been seen by some as a reflection of his priorities. The event has reignited discussions about the sacrifices made by those in high-profile careers and the impact on their families.
Kevin Hart, another comedian at the roast, also took aim at Brady’s marriage, referencing Bündchen’s relationship with her jiujitsu instructor. “How did you not see this coming? Eight f–king karate classes a day and she’s still a white belt!” Hart quipped, adding fuel to the fire. These jokes, while intended to be humorous, have had a lasting impact on those involved.
Despite the backlash, some have defended Brady, arguing that he has been a stand-up guy for 20 years and that the roast was meant to be all in good fun. However, the event has undeniably brought to light the delicate balance public figures must maintain between their professional and personal lives.
The roast also avoided making jokes about Brady’s children, a decision that Glaser explained was out of respect for their privacy. “We had to go there — it was a roast,” she said, but emphasized that the children were off-limits. This decision, while considerate, did little to mitigate the overall impact of the event on Brady’s family.
In the end, the Netflix roast of Tom Brady has served as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by those in the public eye. Brady’s attempt to find humor in his situation has backfired, leading to strained relationships and public scrutiny. As he moves forward, Brady’s commitment to being a better parent will be closely watched, as will his ability to balance his career and family life.
