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, best known for co-creating and starring in the satirical sketch comedy series *Chappelle's Show*. Despite its popularity, he famously left the show during its third season. Following a break, Chappelle resumed his stand-up career, earning widespread recognition. He has been lauded as a comic genius and one of the best stand-up comedians of all time.

Sections (5)

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

August 2013: Oddball Comedy & Curiosity festival performance and heckling incident

In August 2013, Dave Chappelle co-headlined the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity festival with Flight of the Conchords. During a performance in Hartford, Chappelle walked off stage due to intense heckling from the crowd, which included chants of "White Power." Later, audio was released of Chappelle responding to the incident, blaming "young, white, alcoholic[s]" and expressing negative sentiments towards Hartford.

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. The special garnered controversy and backlash for jokes about abuse allegations and the LGBT community.

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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, with some considering them transphobic.

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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 Netflix 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 planned to rename its auditorium in Dave Chappelle's honor. Following controversy over jokes made in The Closer, the ceremony was delayed.

December 2021: Opposition to Affordable Housing Project

In December 2021, Dave Chappelle informed 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. He expressed concerns about the nature of the development.

February 7, 2022: Continued Opposition to Zoning Change

On February 7, 2022, Dave Chappelle spoke against the zoning change at a council meeting, calling the council "clowns" and emphasizing his business's value. The council deadlocked, failing to approve the change.

2022: Renaming of Duke Ellington School theater

In the summer of 2022, Dave Chappelle announced that he would not give his name to the Duke Ellington School theater, following the controversy surrounding his Netflix special 'The Closer'. He instead insisted it should be named the Theater for Artistic Freedom and Expression.

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October 19, 2023: Comments on Israel-Hamas War

During an 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, leading to a mixed audience reaction.

May 2024: Statements on Genocide in Gaza and Antisemitism

In May 2024, Dave Chappelle stated in Abu Dhabi that "genocide is striking the Gaza Strip amid the Israel-Hamas war", while also urging Americans to fight antisemitism.