Source: Deseret
Famous comedian Dave Chappelle has announced dates for his upcoming documentary “Untitled” amid controversy. The Grammy-winning comedian, who doesn’t shy away from controversy, took to Instagram. He posted a video where he announced that the documentary would debut as a single-day screening in ten US cities.
Chappelle claimed that the documentary was shunned by film distributors following the controversy surrounding his latest Netflix specials, “The Closer,” where his anti-transgender comments have seen many people take a stand against the legendary comedian. Chappelle makes this announcement two days after Netflix employees staged a walkout in protest of the comedian’s materials on the network.
Following the release of “The Closer” by Netflix a month ago, the show was met with harsh criticism due to disparaging statements made against the transgender community. And Chappelle, who isn’t new to public criticism due to his anti-gay sentiments, has decided to carry on despite the criticism.
Chappelle claimed that film festivals had withdrawn their invitations to show the documentary following these criticisms, chronicling Chappelle’s 2020 comedy tour. The documentary also explores the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, which roughly coincided with the tour. “I desperately want people to see this movie, but I understand why investors would be nervous,” Chappelle said in the video.
Although Chappelle did not mention which film festivals rescinded their invitations, according to a representative for the comedian. These festivals were canceled before they were announced to the public.
Despite the criticisms that Chappelle has referred to as “cancel culture,” Chappelle remains unperturbed as he promotes the upcoming documentary and samples his fan base’s opinions to know where they stand on the raging issue. Chappelle captioned his Instagram video: “Screening of ‘Untitled’ Dave Chappelle Documentary directed by Oscar-nominated filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar. Plus, Live appearance by Dave Chappelle & Friends.” The caption went on to list dates and cities including, “11/4 San Francisco, 11/7 Minneapolis, 11/9 Des Moines, 11/12 Indianapolis, 11/14 Cleveland, 11/15 Toronto, 11/17 Cincinnati, 11/19 Columbus, 11/21 Atlanta, 11/22 New York” before tagging Live Nation’s Instagram with a call to get tickets.
He went further in the video to state that he has no issues with the LGBTQ community, but instead with corporate interests who have an opinion on what he can say and cannot say. “I don’t know what all this nonsense is about,” he added.
“Cancel culture” in comedy is a hotly debated issue, and Chappelle is at the center of it again; however, while the controversy rages on, Chappelle is going ahead with his scheduled ten-city premiere and a Netflix special.
Chappelle ends the video by asking his fans, “Am I canceled or not?” Then, after hearing applause, he states, “Then let’s go.”
The popular, multi-award winning comedian also says he will give marginalized trans community an audience if they agree to his conditions.
