Comedian Dave Chappelle has sparked fresh outrage with his latest Netflix stand-up special “The Dreamer”, which doubles down on jokes about transgender people and adds barbs aimed at the disabled community.
Chappelle Unapologetically Attacks Marginalized Groups Despite Previous Backlash
The new special, released on December 31st on the streaming platform, sees Chappelle enthusiastically mocking transgender people once again after facing intense criticism last year for transphobic comments in his Netflix special “The Closer”.
In the first 12 minutes of “The Dreamer”, Chappelle fires off a rapid succession of jokes about trans women, calling them “confusing”, joking about their genitals, and suggesting cisgender people should be scared of them. He also throws in disparaging cracks about the disabled community, joking about seeing a disabled transgender person and asking “What the hell happened to you?”
This continues a pattern of Chappelle using members of marginalized communities as punchlines that many have found offensive and regressive. Despite protests last October at Netflix offices and renewed debate over balancing artistic freedom and speech versus inclusion and representation, Chappelle has shown no indication of softening his rhetoric.
Netflix Faces Pressure to Deplatform Controversial Comedian
By giving Chappelle a major platform to share harmful stereotypes and misinformation, Netflix has come under fire from LGBTQ+ advocates and disability rights organisations.
GLAAD spokesman Rich Ferraro said:
“Despite six months to reflect and massive outcry the first time, Chappelle has again decided to dedicate a special to dehumanizing and denying the identities of trans people, and now added disabled people to his hit list. Netflix has now aired three specials where he spends the majority of the time targeting one of the most marginalized groups in comedy.”
Meanwhile RespectAbility, a nonprofit advancing opportunities for people with disabilities, released a statement saying:
“There is a difference between humor that reminds us of the human condition versus ‘humor at the expense of others.’ Chappelle crossed an important line with his harsh comments targeting people with disabilities along with transgender people.”
They called on Netflix and production companies to stop working with Chappelle in future. With controversy raging once more, the streaming service will likely face intensifying demands to remove Chappelle’s specials and stop collaborating with the comedian.
| Group | Statement |
|---|---|
| GLAAD | Despite six months to reflect and massive outcry the first time, Chappelle has again decided to dedicate a special to dehumanizing and denying the identities of trans people, and now added disabled people to his hit list. |
| RespectAbility | There is a difference between humor that reminds us of the human condition versus ‘humor at the expense of others.’ Chappelle crossed an important line with his harsh comments targeting people with disabilities along with transgender people. |
Mixed Responses Reflect Enduring Divisions Over Chappelle’s Brand of Comedy
Reactions to “The Dreamer” have been predictably polarized. Conservative figures and champions of absolute free speech have mostly defended Chappelle, while progressive voices argue comedy should not come at the cost of basic dignity and empathy.
Right-wing Republican politician Madison Cawthorn, himself frequently embroiled in controversy, tweeted:
“Another awesome special from the GOAT Dave Chappelle. Great to see someone who refuses to bend the knee to the woke mob.”
However transgender actor Trace Lysette, who has been an outspoken critic of Chappelle’s previous specials, responded:
“I watched it so you don’t have to watch more then 5mins of it… I’m tired y’all and this is violently unfunny and triggering.”
The special currently has just a 29% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers blasting the “tired transphobic tropes” and unoriginality. But among regular viewers the response is far warmer, scoring 78% with fans who see Chappelle as a heroic figure standing up to cancel culture. This suggests that while Chappelle is unlikely to win over his detractors at this point, he can still rely on a loyal following supporting his rhetoric.
Chappelle Touches On Reaction To On-Stage Attack
As well as doubling down on crude jokes targeting minorities, “The Dreamer” sees Chappelle reflect on being violently attacked on stage last May by an armed audience member at the Netflix is a Joke comedy festival.
The assailant, Isaiah Lee, appears to have been motivated by anger over Chappelle’s previous jokes about the LGBTQ community rather than any personal grudge. In his latest special, Chappelle suggests Lee’s actions prove his point about mounting hostility towards comedians. He jokes that rather than pressing charges, he reached out to Lee’s family to “make sure he gets the help he needs”.
This ties into Chappelle’s wider theme about what he sees as escalating attempts to control and silence comedy. He argues that increasing sensitivity and social progressivism have created a hostile environment for comedians trying to push boundaries and touch on controversial topics.
No Sign Of Chappelle Backing Down As He Rails Against “Repression of Free Speech”
Based on the defiant tone of “The Dreamer”, it appears Dave Chappelle has no interest in softening his humor or avoiding jokes that come at the expense of marginalized groups, despite fierce criticism.
The comedian is positioning himself as a free speech warrior railing against a culture of repression driven by sensitive younger generations and advocates for social justice. However, others argue comedy has always had ethical lines that should not be crossed, and that punching down at vulnerable minorities fosters real harm.
With Netflix once more facing boycott threats, it remains to be seen whether Chappelle can retain his mega platform. But the streaming giant has thus far held firm, suggesting that as long as his specials drive subscriber numbers, Chappelle has free rein to keep courting controversy.
Unless the comedian has a drastic change of heart, more indignation over his unapologetic attacks on transgender people and other groups seems inevitable. For now at least, the Chappelle controversy firestorm looks set to keep burning.
What Comes Next After “The Dreamer” Backlash?
Dave Chappelle is renowned as one of the most popular yet divisive comedians on the planet. While his staunchest fans hail his genius and regard him as a societal commentator speaking truth to power, his critics see an out-of-touch multi-millionaire using cruel and regressive humor to punch down at some of society’s most vulnerable people.
With “The Dreamer” provoking familiar fault lines over reconciling offensive comedy and free speech with inclusion and basic human dignity, the debate around Chappelle’s comedy looks unlikely to fade away.
As long as Netflix gives him a platform for material that marginalizes people based on gender identity, disability and other attributes they cannot control, the calls for him to be “cancelled” will likely continue. But the streaming giant has not wavered in its loyalty so far.
Ultimately the controversy feeds Chappelle’s narrative about culture war tensions between those wanting to control speech and comedy versus those who believe anything should be fair game in the name of provocation and entertainment.
Unless the comedian has a major change of heart, he will probably keep testing the limits with edgy material condemned as bigoted by critics but hailed as daring by devoted fans. The fallout from “The Dreamer” ensures the furor around one of comedy’s biggest stars has plenty more fuel in the tank for 2023 and beyond.
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