Dave Chappelle took the stage for a stand-up show in San Francisco this week.
During his performance, the controversial comedian, 51, revealed the top topics “Saturday Night Live” producers told him to avoid during his opening monologue while hosting the show last month.
“SNL producers told him he couldn’t speak about two topics: transgender people and Gaza,” reported SFGATE’s senior culture editor Dan Gentile.
Dave Chappelle at THE 47TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS. CBS via Getty Images
Marcello Hernández, host Dave Chappelle, and musical guest GloRilla during Promos on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty ImagesHowever, Chappelle still slipped in a reference to Palestine during his monologue, which was recorded on Jan. 18.
“Do not forget your humanity, and please have empathy for displaced people whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine,” he declared.
Chapelle refrained from elaborating further on Gaza during his San Francisco set this week but ended the performance with a sharp, provocative remark.
“Give the Jews a break, free Palestine,” he declared, per the SFGate.
Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. NBC
This image released by NBC shows host Dave Chappelle taping promos for his upcoming appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in New York. AP
Dave Chappelle jokes he was ‘too ugly’ to be invited to Diddy’s ‘freak-off’ parties in ‘SNL’ monologue. Saturday Night LiveAt one point during his January monologue, Chappelle, who has hosted the show four times, joked that he was “tired of being controversial” and hoping to “turn over a new leaf.”
And now the funny man is returning to Studio 8-H once more for the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special.”
The three-hour live telecast will celebrate the sketch comedy’s show’s half-centennial on the air. It will include appearances from past cast members including: Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, Chevy Chase, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Jane Curtin and more.
On Friday, the show put on “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” which streamed live from Radio City Music Hall on Peacock.
Jimmy Fallon hosted the festivities, which saw performances from Lady Gaga, Cher, Snoop Dogg, Dave Grohl, Jack White and other talent.
