Dave Chappelle responds to 'nonsense' controversy over Netflix special: 'I said what I said'

Dave Chappelle
(Image credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)

Dave Chappelle has responded to the controversy surrounding his latest standup special, saying he would meet with Netflix's transgender employees about it while dismissing the outrage as "nonsense."

The comedian on Monday addressed the backlash over jokes about the LGBTQ community in his Netflix special The Closer, sharing a video on Instagram in which he discusses the controversy during a standup set. Chappelle denied declining an invitation to speak with Netflix's transgender employees about the special.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.