During his recent stand-up performance in San Francisco, comedian Dave Chappelle alleged that Saturday Night Live (SNL) prohibited him from discussing two controversial topics -transgender people and Gaza – during his January 18 monologue.
According to SFGate reporter Dan Gentile, who attended Chappelle’s show at The Masonic, the comedian claimed that SNL producers instructed him not to touch on these subjects. While he avoided discussing transgender people, he ended his monologue with a message directed at former President Donald Trump:
“Do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people, whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine.”
Chappelle’s History With Transphobic Commentary
Chappelle has long faced criticism for remarks about the transgender community in his stand-up specials, dating back to the early 2000s. In past performances, he has compared trans people to Rachel Dolezal, referred to himself as “Team TERF” (a term associated with trans-exclusionary radical feminists), and likened trans women’s genitals to fake meat.
His comments have sparked backlash from fellow comedians, including Wanda Sykes and Michelle Buteau. In her latest special, Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind, Buteau seemingly referenced Chappelle’s comedy, stating:
“It can be done. We can tell jokes and stories and not disparage a whole community.”
Ongoing Debate Over Chappelle’s Comedy
Chappelle’s stance on trans issues has been a recurring point of contention in the comedy world, leading to protests and criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. While some defend his material as free speech, others argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
