Katt Williams’s Military Service Claims Questioned by Marine Records

LOS ANGELES — Comedian and actor Katt Williams, known for his eccentric persona and comedic prowess, faces scrutiny over his alleged military background. For years, Williams has stated that he joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a teenager. However, official records dispute this claim, raising questions about this aspect of his personal biography.

An inquiry by CBS News revealed that the U.S. Marine Corps holds no records of Williams’ enlistment or attendance at any Marine Corps recruit training camps. This information contradicts Williams’ long-standing narrative, which he conveyed in interviews and stand-up routines over the years.

Williams first claimed his association with the Marines in 2016, amidst a public feud with fellow comedian Kevin Hart. During this period, Williams frequently referenced his time in the Corps, describing an incident during a podcast with Marc Maron where he stated, «I passed Marine boot camp at 16.» However, Marine Corps officials, through a Freedom of Information Act request, confirmed no records exist to verify his enlistment or service.

Despite multiple email requests and phone calls made by CBS News to Williams’ representatives at Creative Artists Agency and publicist Amy Sisoyev, no comments were received. James LaPorta, a verification producer with CBS News and a former Marine infantryman, reported on the unsubstantiated claims, reinforcing the official Marine Corps stance.

Marine Corps officials noted that, had Williams’ story been accurate, records would be available detailing his enlistment, boot camp graduation, and any subsequent discharge—even if he had enlisted fraudulently as a minor. The absence of such records casts doubt on the comedian’s assertions.

In his entertainment career, Williams continues to combine humor with controversy, with his claims about a Marine past serving as part of his comedic and personal narrative. These claims, however, serve to frustrate figures such as Army veteran Anthony Anderson, who labeled them «a slap in the face of people who have earned the title of Marine.»

Williams recently appeared on ESPN‘s «First Take,» during which he repeated his Marine Corps claims. The accuracy of these statements continues to be challenged, leaving a question mark over this chapter of his life story.