After weeks of watching tensions rise in response to his new stand-up special, Dave Chappelle has released a statement of sorts. And it doesn’t appear he’s walking back any of the sentiments that sparked the initial backlash.
In his latest Instagram dispatch, Chappelle returns fire in an unflinching five-plus minute clip from a recent set. “I said what I said. And boy, I heard what you said. My God, how could I not,?” the comedian asks after confirming he was willing to speak with Netflix employees who walked out in protest of the transphobic material in The Closer, but never actually received an invitation. “You said you want a safe working environment at Netflix. It seems like I’m the only one who can’t go to the office,” Chappelle continues. The comedian says the issue doesn’t involve the LGBTQ community, but “corporate interests” and the restriction of his speech. “For the record, and I need you to know this, everyone I know from that community has been loving and supportive, so I don’t know what this nonsense is about,” the comedian explains.
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Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
Hugel
Saturday, Nov 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley
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