Photo: Getty Images
Days after releasing his highly controversial comedy special, The Closer, Dave Chappelle attracted nearly 20,000 people to the Hollywood Bowl for a screening of his new documentary. During the event, Chappelle commented on the recent backlash he's faced regarding comments he made during his Netflix comedy special.
"They canceled J.K. Rowling – my God. Effectively, she said gender was a fact, the trans community got mad as f---, they started calling her a TERF," Chappelle said.
"I'm Team TERF. I agree. I agree, man. Gender is a fact."
His comments drew backlash from former New York mayoral candidate Maya Wiley, GLAAD, Jaclyn Moore, the National Black Justice Coalition and several other entities.
“Netflix should immediately pull The Closer from its platform and directly apologize to the transgender community," National Black Justice Coalition Executive Director David Johns said.
However, it doesn't appear that the comedian is stepping away from any of his comments in the near future.
“If this is what being canceled is about, I love it,” Chappelle told the crowd, according to Deadline.
“I don’t know what to tell you, except I’m a bad mother------."
Chappelle's sold out documentary screening at the Hollywood Bowl had the support of several high-profile celebrities. Deadline reports that Nas, Lizzo, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Talib Kweli, Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder were in attendance. Stevie Wonder also reportedly stepped on stage to offer a few words of support for Chappelle.
"We need to cancel hate," the legendary singer told the cheering crowd, according to Deadline.
No videos of the event have been shared as of yet. Security reportedly collected all electronic devices before attendees entered the venue.
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