Dave Chappelle Defends Free Speech, Even For Racist Comedians

BY Erika Marie 3.4K Views
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Dave Chappelle
Everyone has the right to express themselves, according to Chappelle.

If there's a comedian who knows what it feels like to be attacked over jokes, it's Dave Chappelle. The no holds barred entertainer entangles his politically incorrect social commentary with funny quips, and even when Cancel Culture comes after him, no can take down the Chappelle Show legend. Recently, Chappelle was bestowed the honor of receiving the 22nd Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and during the star-studded ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Chappelle addressed comedians coming under attack for doing what they've been doing for decades.

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According to Chappelle, everyone has the right to express themselves, even if what they're saying is deemed to be "very racist." He stated, "[I] don't get mad at ’em, don't hate on ’em. Man, it's not that serious. The First Amendment is first for a reason. Second Amendment is just in case the first one doesn't work out."

Prior to the ceremony, Deadline reports that Chappelle expanded on that thought when he chatted with the news media. "Personally, I am not afraid of other people’s freedom of expression," he said. "I don’t use it as a weapon. It just makes me feel better." He then added dismissively, "And I am sorry if I hurt anybody, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, yada yada yada. Everything I am supposed to say." Check out clips of Dave chatting on the red carpet as he drops off a few funny tidbits below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.