Comedian Matt Rife Criticized for Online Bullying of Autistic Ghost Hunter

Comedian Matt Rife sparked backlash after an Instagram exchange with paranormal investigator Chris Mac, who disclosed he has autism. Rife told Mac to “remove himself from earth,” prompting Mac to label the comment bullying and to call for an end to the harassment.

Rife’s representatives said the comedian frequently endures harsh online abuse and sometimes deletes hostile comments, suggesting context may be missing. The dispute also revived criticism of Rife’s promotion of the Haunted Warren Museum, with some observers accusing him of commercializing paranormal investigations.

Former NFL fighter Josh Hokit later mocked Rife on X, joking that telling a ghost hunter to kill himself was “good career advice.” The incident has drawn attention to how social‑media interactions can impact individuals with disabilities.