Dave ChappelleĀ made a surprise appearance at his high school alma mater in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. And letās just say he didnāt receive the warmest welcome.
According to Politico, the polarizing comedian performed for students and teachers of theĀ Duke Ellington School for the Arts, where he received his diploma more than 30 years ago. Following his performance, Chappelle conducted a Q&A session with the 600-person crowd, and was immediately slammed for his controversial jokes about the trans community.Ā
One 16-year-old student reportedly took the mic and called Chappelle a ābigotā who had handledĀ criticism ālike a child.ā The teen was seemingly referring to the backlash Chappelle faced overĀ The Closer, his latest Netflix special that included remarks that were widely considered transphobic.
The comedian responded to the studentās comments, which were confirmed by his spokesperson, with an unapologetic tone.
āMy friend, with all due respect, I donāt believe you could make one of the decisions I have to make on a given day,ā he said.
Following the premiere of The Closer, a number of activists and LGBTQ advocacy groups called on Netflix to pull the special from its service. Some of his most controversial moments in the show included Chappelle declaring himself āteam TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist)ā and stating āgender is a fact.ā
Another studentĀ reportedly told Chappelle his ācomedy kills.ā He allegedly fired back with, āN***asĀ are killed every day,ā before asking, āThe mediaās not here, right?ā
According to Politico, one student had walked out during the event, prompting Chappelle to call her out while at the mic: āOf course she left early,ā he reportedly said.
A spokesperson for the school told the outlet some of the students were supportive of Chappelle, but felt as though they werenāt given the opportunity to express their views.
āDuring the conversation with students and staff, Chappelle specifically invited the voices of discontent to ask questions, however as a result, the supporters of Chappelle became the silent majority,ā Savannah Overton said. āOur principal was approached by several students after the assembly who were disappointed that they were not able to voice their support for Chappelle in this forum.ā
The school announced Chappelleās visit several weeks ago, but postponed the event to next April after students threatened a walkout. During his appearance, Chappelle reportedly expressed his support for the students who had planned to protest, and spoke out against the threats theyĀ received in the following days.
āHis whole tone changed,ā one student recalled. āHe said, āThis is my family and whether they know it or not I love these kids. ā¦ I donāt want to hear about any threats to these kids. These kids donāt deserve that.ā He was really kind. If [only] he [had] acted that way the whole time. ā¦ There was no reason to be mean to us. He was just laughing at kids.ā
Chappelleās rep told Politico, ā[Dave]Ā said these kids deserve an F for forgiveness. Give them some space to grow. They are going to say things that are immature.ā