Tracy Morgan Faces Backlash Over Harsh Comments Directed at Teachers

Tracy Morgan is drawing criticism for inflammatory remarks he made about teachers during a recent public conversation.

The 57-year-old appeared in Variety's "Actors on Actors" series alongside Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernandez, where the two discussed their respective experiences in education. Hernandez opened up about his struggles in school, including challenges with Attention Deficit Disorder and how teachers sometimes labeled him a troublemaker as a result.

"They told me I did mischief in school. Mischief. I talk too much. I was excessive talking," Hernandez explained.

Morgan attempted to reframe the narrative positively, saying, "You know who gave you that voice? No, they didn't understand you. You had a sense of humor. And they couldn't control that. God gave that to you."

Hernandez responded with humor: "And now look at it. I'm getting paid for mischief."

Morgan then pivoted to the financial aspect, commenting, "And they still making minimum wage," while taking a drink.

Continuing his line of criticism, Morgan asked, "You know how much them teachers probably making right now?" When Hernandez agreed that educators aren't compensated enough, Morgan escalated his position further.

"I can't stand teachers. You know why? Because they have a ceiling. They have a limit. That's all they ever gonna be. Man, I teach my kids, sky's the limits," the 30 Rock alum stated.

The remarks prompted swift backlash across social media platforms. Users expressed outrage, with some drawing comparisons to previous celebrity controversies. One commenter wrote that the energy directed at other celebrities for past statements should be applied to Morgan's comments with significantly greater intensity.

Critics also pointed out the contradiction in Morgan's stance, noting that his dismissal of educators comes at a time when the nation faces significant literacy challenges and teachers remain underpaid—a particularly tone-deaf position given his own financial success.

This isn't the first instance of a high-profile figure facing scrutiny for critical comments about teachers. Singer Meghan Trainor encountered similar controversy in 2023 over remarks she made about the profession.