Jon Stewart criticized by ex-Daily Show correspondent for defending Trump comic

The Daily Show has thrived for multiple decades because of the talent that star/producer Jon Stewart has managed to cultivate. He's collaborated with numerous comedians who have gone on to become stars in their own right over the years. One of them has taken umbrage with Stewart's handling of a recent controversy.

Stewart detailed the appearance that Tony Hinchcliffe made during a recent Donald Trump rally, and the offensive jokes he made regarding Jewish, African American, and Puerto Rican people. Most were outraged by Hinchcliffe's comments, but Stewart felt that the comedian was simply doing what he did and it was the fault of the Trump team for booking him.

Wyatt Cenac felt Stewart's comments 'disappointing'

Fans were surprised by Stewart's decision to not condemn a fellow comedian. Some applauded him, but many, including former Daily Show correspondent Wyatt Cenac, were let down by decision to take a softer approach.

Cenac went on Substack to address his former boss' comments, and the way that Stewart "closes ranks" when it comes to other comedians:

"Having worked for Jon, his response wasn’t really surprising. Disappointing but not surprising."

Cenac has criticized Stewart's comedy in the past

Cenac, who appeared on The Daily Show from 2008 to 2012, and was the only African American writer on the show during this time, felt that Stewart failed to do his job by letting Hinchcliffe off the hook.

"On Monday, 'America’s trusted’ voice wasn’t defending comedy," he opined. "As much as suggesting to racists [that] maybe if their hate speech had made him laugh, he might have their backs too." The comedian has not been shy when it comes to calling out his former Daily Show boss.

Cenac went on WTF with Marc Maron in 2015 and proceeded to call out Jon Stewart for using an offensive voice to impersonate African American politician Herman Cain. Cenac claims that he spoke up on the matter, but that Stewart got "incredibly defensive" and told him to "f**k off."

Stewart has not responded to Cenac's comments, or the larger criticism regarding his Hinchcliffe stance.