Arts & Entertainment
Dave Chappelle slammed for joking about Kevin Spacey allegations
the comedian’s jokes came off insensitive to some viewers
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Dave Chappelle has come under fire for joking about Kevin Spacey’s sexual misconduct allegations in his new Netflix comedy special “The Bird Revelation.”
“Wow, I mean it is really bad out here. Kevin Spacey’s out here, grabbing men by the pussy. I didn’t even know that was possible,” Chappelle says.
“I’ve been to a lot of parties in my day. Never been to a good one that had 14-year-old boys in it. All joking aside, Kevin Spacey shouldn’t have done that shit to that kid. He was 14 years old and forced to carry a grown man’s secret for 30 years,” Chappelle remarks in reference to Anthony Rapp’s allegation that Spacey made a sexual advance on him when he was 14 years old and Spacey was 26.
‘The saddest part is, if he had been able to carry that secret for another six months, I would get to know how ‘House of Cards’ ends,” Chappelle adds.
Chappelle also placed blame on Rapp saying he “grew up to be gay anyway,” and that “Kevin Spacey sniffed that shit out like a truffle pig.”
“And not to victim-blame, but it seems like the kind of situation that a gay 14-year-old kid would get himself into,” Chappelle says.
Not everyone found the comments as amusing as Chappelle did.
He was a child. He was taken advantage of by an adult. He was ABUSED! Educate yourself, then go find your morals. #disgustedbyignorance ‘He grew up gay anyway’: Dave Chappelle on Anthony Rapp allegations
https://t.co/yZaUD0e0VL— Ellen Smith (@BoyCrazyMama) January 1, 2018
Oh God. Seriously @DaveChappelle did you say this? ?? https://t.co/fNeUcPXuvS
— Sarah Smith (@sarahsmithva) December 31, 2017
It’s a particularly bad feeling when someone whose work you generally like suddenly lets you know that in some deep way, he’s not with you. A very familiar experience for LGBT folk of a certain age.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) January 3, 2018
However, fellow comedians Norm MacDonald, Donnell Rawlings and Adam Devine told TMZ the jokes didn’t go too far.
Chappelle is no stranger to telling controversial jokes about the LGBT community. While performing at New York City Radio Music Hall in August, he told the Washington Blade that despite joking about Caitlyn Jenner and the transgender military ban he doesn’t consider himself transphobic.
“I’m not an obstructionist of anybody’s lifestyle,” Chappelle said, “as long as it doesn’t hurt me or people I love, and I don’t believe that lifestyle does.”
“The Bird Revelation” is currently streaming on Netflix.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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