Dave Chappelle’s controversial SNL monologue accused of ‘popularising antisemitism’: ‘Why does our trauma trigger applause?’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro

(Picture: : The Washington Post via Getty Im)

Dave Chappelle has been accused of ‘perpetuating antisemitism’ following his controversial Saturday Night Live monologue.

The stand-up comic, 49, recently appeared on the American TV show and kicked off the programme by addressing the criticism surrounding Kanye West’s anti-semitic comments.

‘Before I start, I just want to read a brief statement that I prepared,’ Chappelle began, taking a piece of paper out of his pocket.

‘I denounce anti-Semitism in all its forms and I stand with my friends in the Jewish community — and that, Kanye, is how you buy yourself some time,’ he said.

‘I’ve been doing this 35 years and, early in my career, I learned that the two words in the English language you should never say together are “The” and “Jews”. No one does good after they say that.’

Several organisations quickly called out Chappelle for ‘engaging in antisemitic tropes.’

Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the Anti-Defamation League tweeted: ‘We shouldn’t expect @DaveChappelle to serve as society’s moral compass, but disturbing to see @nbcsnl not just normalize but popularize #antisemitism.

‘Why are Jewish sensitivities denied or diminished at almost every turn? Why does our trauma trigger applause?’

‘Antisemitism isn’t funny. It’s dangerous,’ another added.

‘@nbcsnl @DaveChappelle this is unacceptable. This monologue never should have been written, let alone aired.’

During his explosive sit-down with broadcaster Piers Morgan, Kanye apologised for causing ‘hurt’ and ‘confusion’ with his anti-semitic comments.

‘I will say, I’m sorry for the people that I hurt with the DEFCON… the confusion that I caused,’ he said.

‘I feel like I caused hurt and confusion and I’m sorry for the families that had nothing to do with the trauma that I had been through. Hurt people hurt people – and I was hurt.’

Ye apologised for the controversial comments made last month (Picture: REUTERS)

Chappelle has become known for his own contentious stand-up routines, with critics branding his material transphobic.

The comedian was accused of transphobia for stating ‘gender is a fact’ in his show while backing JK Rowling and stating he is ‘team Terf’, the acronym for trans-exclusionary radical feminist.

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Many urged Netflix to pull the special, with the likes of Elliot Page and Dan Levy voicing support for employees who staged a walkout over the controversy.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to Dave Chappelle’s reps for comment.

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