Dave Chappelle's stand-up show cancelled due to transphobia backlash

American standup comedian Dave Chappelle's show at First Avenue in Minneapolis was cancelled due to backlash against his jokes about transgender people. The sold-out show was moved to a different venue just a few hours before Chappelle would have taken the stage, with First Avenue stating, "we understand that First Ave is not just a room, but meaningful beyond our walls."

We hear you. Tonight’s show has been cancelled at First Avenue and is moving to the Varsity Theater. See our full statement for more. pic.twitter.com/tkf7rz0cc7

— First Avenue (@FirstAvenue) July 20, 2022

Chappelle has been repeatedly condemned for his reliance on transphobic and homophobic jokes. In his 2021 Netflix special, The Closer, he made jokes about "man pussy" and "cutting off a penis". He self identifies as a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist), defending JK Rowling, and stating "I'm team TERF!"

He is unapologetic, often pointing to artistic nuance as a defence. In his latest Netflix special What's In A Name, he fought back against the criticism he's received by arguing that "it has everything to do with my right, my freedom, of artistic expression" and calling the teenagers that criticised him "instruments of oppression."

Despite the general outrage against Chappelle, he continues to be supported by Netflix, the Emmys, and many venues hosting his shows. First Avenue canceled his show, but it still took place at the Varsity Theater, and he is continuing his tour across the US and Europe.