Arts & Entertainment

Dave Chappelle slammed for joking about Kevin Spacey allegations

the comedian’s jokes came off insensitive to some viewers

Published

9 years ago

January 3, 2018

Mariah Cooper

(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.

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Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

1 minute ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

4 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Celebrity News

Madonna to perform at World Pride in Amsterdam

‘Confessions II’ album released earlier this month to rave reviews

Published

1 day ago

July 30, 2026

Michael K. Lavers

Madonna will perform at the World Pride Music Festival in Amsterdam on Aug. 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of MISTR)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key will be on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10. They will be covering World Pride in Amsterdam.

AMSTERDAM — Madonna on Saturday will perform at World Pride in Amsterdam.

She is scheduled to appear alongside Stuart Price, Honey Dijon, and other “special guests” at the World Pride Music Festival at AFAS Live concert hall. The Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade will take place earlier on Saturday.

MISTR, a telehealth platform that offers free access to PrEP, Doxy PEP, STI testing, and long-term HIV care, is organizing Madonna’s performance.

Madonna on July 2 released her new album, “Confessions II,” to rave reviews.

She appeared at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., in April. Madonna in June celebrated Pride month with a pop-up performance in New York’s Times Square.

“Everyone here is a work of art,” says the World Pride Music Festival performance poster, referring to a line from “Danceteria” on “Confessions II.”