Major Controversies Surrounding Dave Chappelle: A Detailed Timeline
Public opinion and media debates around Dave Chappelle—discover key moments of controversy.
David Chappelle is a highly acclaimed American stand-up comedian and actor, best known for co-creating and starring in the influential satirical sketch comedy series, Chappelle's Show. He gained widespread recognition for his sharp wit and social commentary but famously left the show during its third season. After a break, Chappelle returned to stand-up comedy, earning further accolades. He has been hailed as a comedic genius and ranked among the greatest stand-up comics of all time.
1997: Parody of Forrest Gump
In 1997, Dave Chappelle parodied the film Forrest Gump in the short Bowl of Pork, after turning down a role in Forrest Gump
June 2004: Rick James Biopic Talks
In June 2004, based on the popularity of the 'Rick James' sketch, it was announced that Dave Chappelle was in talks to portray James in a biopic, but talks halted due to disagreements.
August 2013: Heckling Incident at Oddball Comedy Festival
In August 2013, during a performance at the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity festival in Hartford, Dave Chappelle walked off stage due to relentless heckling that disrupted his entire performance. The audience chants included "White Power," a line from "Chappelle's Show."
August 26, 2019: Release of 'Sticks & Stones' on Netflix
On August 26, 2019, Dave Chappelle's fifth Netflix special, 'Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones,' was released, which caused controversy and backlash due to jokes about abuse allegations and the LGBT community.
October 5, 2021: Release of 'The Closer' on Netflix
On October 5, 2021, Dave Chappelle's sixth Netflix special, 'The Closer,' was released, sparking controversy due to jokes about gay and transgender people.
November 2021: SNL Lampoons 'The Closer' Controversy
In November 2021, Saturday Night Live lampooned the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle's Netflix special, 'The Closer,' during its Weekend Update segment.
November 2021: Duke Ellington School Renaming Controversy
In November 2021, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts was set to rename their auditorium in Dave Chappelle's honor, but the renaming ceremony was delayed until April 2022 due to controversy over jokes in "The Closer".
December 2021: Opposition to Affordable Housing Project
In December 2021, Dave Chappelle told the Yellow Springs, Ohio, village council that he would cancel his planned business investments if they approved a zoning change for a multifamily affordable housing project.
February 7, 2022: Council Meeting Opposition to Zoning Change
On February 7, 2022, Dave Chappelle spoke against a zoning change at a Yellow Springs council meeting, leading to a deadlock vote and failure to approve the change.
May 4, 2022: Attack Onstage at Hollywood Bowl
In the early hours of May 4, 2022, Dave Chappelle was attacked onstage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles during a performance at the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. The attacker was armed with a replica handgun containing a knife blade.
2022: Theater Naming Controversy at Duke Ellington School
In 2022, Dave Chappelle announced that he would not lend his name to the Duke Ellington School theater, suggesting it be named the Theater for Artistic Freedom and Expression, amidst the controversy surrounding 'The Closer'.
