Dave Chappelle took a break from random sell-out performances in tiny clubs to release another stand-up special, and as some might’ve guessed, The Dreamer (available to stream with a Netflix subscription) is already making waves. There are people all over the internet who have watched some or all of the special, as well as those who only heard about the jokes and subject matter second-hand, and everybody had thoughts to share about it.
Chappelle’s previous specials have gained much attention for jokes aimed at transgender people and the LGBTQ+ community at large, so for X to be instantly lit up with reactions was not so surprising. Especially after Ricky Gervais’ response to those offended by his comedy special, and the backlash against comedian Matt Rife, viewers were likely already on high alert for anything controversial in Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer. In that regard, it didn’t take long for some to voice their distaste in his return to the same kind of material.
I think it’s extremely weird and probably telling (in a way that only a shrink could unpack) that Dave Chappelle, one of the sharpest comedians to ever stand on a stage, is still out here antagonizing trans folks. Hard to reckon with what a disappointment he has turned out to be.December 31, 2023