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He was edgy, ethnic, and on the rise — a standup star on the cusp of pop-culture superstardom. His TV show was already a smash hit on Comedy Central; he was backed by one of the most powerful talent agencies in Hollywood. Soon, he’d have it all: feature films, blockbuster comedy tours, international fame and fortune, and more Emmys, Oscars, and Tonys than he could count.
CarlosMenciawasontopoftheworld.
Hiscomedywasfearless:Notopicwasofflimits.Andhissketchcomedyshow,“TheMindofMencia,”averaged1.4millionviewers.Hewashilarious—andthat’snotjustmyopinion;that’salsowhatheputinhisownpressrelease:
Knownforhisunflinchingandhilariousopinions,Menciaisabletoconnectwithadiverseaudiencebypointingoutsociety’shypocrisy,whichhasmadehimoneofthemostsuccessfulcomediansinthecountry.
Andthen,almostexactly18yearsago—Feb.10,2007—alesser-knowncomediannamedJoeRoganconfrontedMenciaonstageandaccusedhimofbeingajokethief.Here’sthevideo:
VIDEO
Atthetime,JoeRoganwasn’taubiquitouspresenceinmediaortheworld’smostinfluentialpodcaster.He
