Major Controversies Surrounding Dave Chappelle: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Dave Chappelle—discover key moments of controversy.

Dave Chappelle is a highly acclaimed American stand-up comedian and actor, most notably known for creating and starring in the influential satirical sketch comedy series *Chappelle's Show*. Despite the show's success, he famously left during its third season. After a break, he returned to stand-up, receiving widespread recognition. He was lauded as a 'comic genius' and 'the best' by various publications, with Rolling Stone ranking him among the greatest stand-up comedians of all time.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

August 2013: Heckling During Oddball Comedy Festival Performance

In August 2013, during a performance at the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity festival in Hartford, Dave Chappelle walked off stage due to persistent heckling from the audience, including chants of "White Power." The heckling was so loud that it drowned out Chappelle's voice over the P.A. system, and fellow audience members found the heckling wildly uncalled-for.

August 26, 2019: Release of Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones on Netflix

On August 26, 2019, Dave Chappelle's fifth Netflix special, "Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones", was released, garnering controversy for jokes about Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, the LGBT community, and cancel culture.

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October 5, 2021: Release of The Closer on Netflix

On October 5, 2021, Dave Chappelle's sixth Netflix special, "The Closer", was released. It sparked controversy due to jokes about gay and transgender people. Some considered these jokes transphobic. The special was met with backlash, including from students of his alma mater Duke Ellington School.

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November 2021: Saturday Night Live Lampoons The Closer Controversy

In November 2021, "Saturday Night Live" lampooned the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle's special "The Closer" during its Weekend Update segment.

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November 2021: Auditorium Renaming Controversy

In November 2021, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts was set to rename their auditorium in Dave Chappelle's honor. However, following controversy in response to jokes made in The Closer, the renaming ceremony was delayed.

December 2021: Opposition to Zoning Change

In December 2021, Dave Chappelle informed the Yellow Springs, Ohio, village council that he would cancel his planned business investments, including his restaurant and comedy club, if the council approved a zoning change to allow a multifamily affordable housing project. He expressed concerns about the nature of the development.

February 7, 2022: Further Opposition to Zoning Change

On February 7, 2022, Dave Chappelle again voiced his opposition to the zoning change at a Yellow Springs, Ohio, village council meeting, where he referred to the council as "clowns" and highlighted that his business was worth $65 million a year. The council subsequently deadlocked on the vote, failing to approve the change.

October 19, 2023: Statements on Israel-Gaza Conflict

During his October 19, 2023 show in Boston, Dave Chappelle described Israel's actions during the Gaza war as war crimes. He also condemned the United States for aiding Israel and condemned Hamas for its October 7th attacks. The audience's reaction was mixed.

May 2024: Statements on Genocide in Gaza

In May 2024, during an appearance in Abu Dhabi, Dave Chappelle stated that "genocide is striking the Gaza Strip amid the Israel-Hamas war", while urging Americans to fight antisemitism so Jews do not feel like they need to be protected by Israel.