In the latest episode of his Spotify podcast, comedian Joe Rogan gave his take on the ongoing controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special The Closer.
Speaking with guest Michael Malice, Rogan—who’s recently popped up in a number of headlines regarding the COVID-19 vaccine (that we’ll again note here is free, safe, and easy to get)—said he and Chappelle have spoken “a little bit” via text about the reactions to his new special.
“He’s just, you know, riding out the storm,” Rogan said. “He’s not a homophobic or transphobic person. He makes fun of himself. There’s a bit in that special about him getting molested and jerking off on a man’s face or cumming in a man’s face. Look, it’s fun. It’s just making jokes. That doesn’t mean hate. This is the problem with today: if you don’t have an enemy, you make an enemy. And this is a real problem with people. We look for things.”
Among the key moments from The Closer that have been called out are Chappelle’s remarks on author J.K. Rowling, who’s also been criticized in recent years for comments many considered transphobic. “I’m team TERF,” Chappelle said in the special. “TERF” is an acronym used to reference a trans-exclusionary variety of feminist.
Going deeper on his thoughts on Chappelle’s special, as well as Chappelle’s personal views, Rogan said Tuesday that people have started “equating jokes with real feelings” while they look for “equilibrium” in what to be upset about.