Dave Chappelle jokingly responded to not being invited to his high school alma mater during a 15-minute performance following the screening of his Untitled documentary Friday night in Indianapolis.
“They’re canceling stuff I didn’t even want to do,” Chappelle said in a statement with IndyStar. “If you think you’re mad at me — remember, I didn’t disinvite you from anything.”
According to Yahoo, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., where Chappelle earned his High School diploma, canceled the fundraiser regarding the comedian’s remarks he made during his Netflix special, The Closer. The school planned to name a new theater in Chappelle’s name during the fundraiser, which would have taken place thanksgiving week on November 23.
According to a POLITICO report, many students were “uncomfortable” supporting Chappelle after learning he would be hosting the school’s fundraiser. Some students mentioned they would stage a walkout, but the school decided the event.
“As a learning institution that champions inclusivity, diversity, equity, and belonging, we care deeply about protecting the well-being and dignity of every member of our student body, faculty, and community,” the school said in a statement. “We also believe moving forward with the event, originally scheduled for November 23, 2021, without first addressing questions and concerns from members of the Ellington community, would be a missed opportunity for a teachable moment.”
During his performance at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on November 12, the comedian addressed the backlash he faced regarding his comments in The Closer.
“If anyone says trans people are angry at me, they are wrong,” Chappelle said. “And if you see (a trans person), buy them a coffee or lipstick or whatever they want and tell them Dave Chappelle sent you.”
Chappelle’s Netflix special has remained on the streaming platform and was not taken down due to the comedian’s controversial remarks.
