Leftists have targeted veteran comedy star Dave Chappell in recent years over his views regarding transgenderism and homosexuality.
Their anger was on display again this week after “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) announced that Chappelle would be serving as host, with some of the show’s writers threatening a boycott.
SNL writer: “Transphobia is murder and it should be condemned”
That’s according to a report published on Tuesday by the New York Post’s gossip section Page Six. It cited an unnamed source who said that while none of SNL’s cast have refused to participate in the episode, some on the writing staff won’t be involved.
The paper noted that SNL writer Celeste Yim reportedly objected to Chappelle’s presence via an Instagram post, writing, “I’m trans and non-binary. I use they/them pronouns. Transphobia is murder and it should be condemned.”
However, a representative for Chappelle told Page Six that talk of a boycott over the comedian’s presence was overblown, saying that “there was no evidence of a boycott” when he met with producers and writers on Tuesday.
“The room was full of writers. They all pitched ideas and they seemed very excited about it…. Dave is looking to have some fun,” the spokesperson asserted.
Chappelle has been targeted for violence
The New York Post reported last year that gay and transgender activists attempted to pressure Netflix into canceling the Chappelle comedy special called “The Closer.”
In May, Fox News reported that Chappelle was attacked on stage while he hosted the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Someone rushed the stage and attacked Dave Chappelle during his Hollywood Bowl performance … and the surreal moment was caught on video. https://t.co/kFf1BvJDvt pic.twitter.com/tQzrt6tMLj
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 4, 2022
His alleged attacker, 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, was accused of rushing the stage while carrying a replica gun with a knife blade inside it.
Police sources tell ABC News the suspect in the #davechapelle attack had a gun-shaped knife when arrested. It was not a functional gun as first believed.
Security-wise: There were metal detectors (my IPhone actually set one off), bags were checked going in, food was allowed in.
— Steph Wash (@WashNews) May 4, 2022