There are always two ways a celebrity’s remarks or actions can happen in the real world. Either you get the end of the stick by being undone like the Will Smith Oscar slap incident, or you eventually return to normality like Dave Chappelle.
Both Chappelle and Smith have brought their controversial remarks and actions into the spotlight by doing it all on camera recording the content that ends up reaching anyone on the internet. But as it stands, Smith is still dealing with the repercussions of his actions, while Chappelle, on the other hand, is enjoying a fresh return to one of his oldest stints.
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Dave Chappelle set to return and host Saturday Night Live
Dave Chappelle will make his long-awaited return as host for Saturday Night Live after last hosting the variety show on November 7, 2020.
He’s kind of been absent from the scene for quite some time since his remarks about the gay and transgender community, particularly transgender women, in his sixth Netflix special. The closest for which it went viral and got a lot of negative attention on the internet.
Reactions erupted to the 49-year-old comedian’s jokes, with most saying they were transphobic, a sentiment even students at his alma mater Duke Ellington School shared. This was followed by a walkout by Netflix employees in a show of support for the transgender community.
The demands included the removal of the Netflix special, but CEO Ted Sarandos did not allow it, saying he “does not believe this falls into hate speech.”
Related: ‘We Won’t Take the Bait This Time’: Trans Community Reveals Plan to Protest Dave Chappelle’s Emmy Nomination, Say They Never Meant to Cancel It
With all of that put behind him, the repercussions still haunt the comedian. In July 2022, Dave Chappelle was scheduled to perform on First Avenue in Minneapolis, but he never saw the light after transgender rights protests forced the show’s cancellation.
show next week! pic.twitter.com/yyWCsszXDw
— Saturday Night Live — SNL (@nbcsnl) November 6, 2022
However, despite all that has happened, Saturday Night Live took a bold step defying public relations by hiring the blue band actor to host the variety show. He will be joined by hip-hop duo Black Star as musical guests.
How that will pan out, only time will tell given the controversy surrounding the comedian is still fresh in people’s minds.
Also Read: ‘Is It a Special or a Speech?’: Damon Wayans Criticizes Dave Chappelle for Excessive Preaching, Says Netflix Gives Him Specials Because He’s Famous
Dave Chappelle’s SNL return doesn’t sit well with fans
As many expected, Dave Chappelle put himself in a bad position after approving the broadcast of The closest Last year. These remarks about the transgender and gay community still resonate in the ears of the internet.
Related: ‘I Gotta Create A Boogeyman To Sell Tickets’: Jerrod Carmichael Blasts Dave Chappelle’s Transgender Jokes
The “cancelled” label affixed to the Chappelle show the star has still not been removed. So it’s kind of out of the blue, and honestly, a really bad public relations stunt for Saturday Night Live to even rehire the comic as host after everything that’s happened since last year.
Fans are reasonably upset that Chappelle is making a comeback, and they’re making sure their disappointment is acknowledged –
Damn… Really shocked and disappointed by that. You are better than that, so be better. Do better.
— Abby Jürgens (@abby_lately) November 6, 2022
A glaring question-
@snl Chappelle?! Why give this hater a platform.
— Agnes O’Neill (@Agnestic) November 6, 2022
This user will pass –
Chapel ?? Difficult pass 😑👎🏿
—Tommy (@Tomwhite2000) November 6, 2022
This fan is disconnecting! –
Well, I guess last week’s show was my last SNL.
—Lyle Rosen (@lylelmr) November 6, 2022
They forgot to consider that-
we will not look. it’s really disgusting. you literally have a non-binary actor
— ًbee ✡︎ (@filmlamet) November 6, 2022
This fan is shocked-
Really, SNL??? Please no to transphobes it sucks
— Kristymulc (@kristymulc1) November 6, 2022
It seems that despite popular opinion going against Dave Chappelle’s involvement in almost everything, he’ll still get gigs, despite all the backlash that will ensue.
Source: Deadline
