As Saturday Night Live prepares to welcome Dave Chappelle back into Studio 8H, some writers are reportedly stepping back in response.
via: Page Six
We’re told that some staff writers are so furious that the comedy superstar — who has made transphobic and homophobic jokes — has been chosen to helm the iconic show that they’re sitting out the episode.
“They’re not going to do the show,” an insider told Page Six. “But none of the actors are boycotting.”
But Chappelle’s rep told us that there was nothing to suggest that there was a boycott when they attended writers’ meetings this week.
“SNL” revealed last week the “Chappelle Show” star would host the show with musical guest Black Star on Nov. 12. It’ll be his third time as host.
He last hosted the sketch comedy show in 2020, well before Netflix released his 2021 special “The Closer.” It angered some viewers because many of Chappelle’s jokes were aimed at the trans community. For example, he intentionally misgendered a trans friend and fellow comedian for laughs.
Chappelle was at 30 Rock on Tuesday meeting with writers and producers and his rep told us “there was no evidence of a boycott.”
“The room was full of writers. They all pitched ideas and they seemed very excited about it…. Dave is looking to have some fun,” they told us.
After the announcement, “SNL” writer Celeste Yim reportedly wrote on Instagram Stories: “I’m trans and non-binary. I use they/them pronouns. Transphobia is murder and it should be condemned.”
It is unclear if they are one of the writers boycotting this week’s show or if they were actually referring to Chappelle. They did not get back to us when we reached out.
A rep for “SNL” also did not get back to us.
Meanwhile the show made history when it announced its first out non-binary cast member Molly Kearney back in September. Kearney has not publicly addressed Chappelle’s upcoming show.
Ex-Netflix exec Terra Field, who sued the streaming service claiming they retaliated against them for speaking out against Chappelle, tweeted about the announcement: “Wait I thought I canceled him. Is it possible cancel culture isn’t a real thing.”
Chappelle and “SNL” have not responded to that or other remarks made on social media.
