For some unknown reason (perhaps for ratings or ego?), Lorne Michaels appears to have a penchant for championing controversial (male) comedians by granting them a platform during primetime television. It’s not just Dave Chappelle who has benefitted from this. Shane Gillis, who gained notoriety for being fired from SNL in 2019 even before officially joining the cast, after clips from his comedy podcast, “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast,” containing racist “jokes,” went viral. (Shane initially offered a non-apology and has since maintained his support for the podcast.) Initially, Lorne seemed to agree with Shane’s dismissal, but late last year, he admitted to being “angry” at NBC’s decision. While it may make business sense considering the potential ratings boost Dave and Shane could bring, as a viewer of SNL, I personally choose to boycott any episode featuring such individuals. The voices that the media chooses to amplify hold greater significance now than ever before.
Shortly before Dave Chappelle inexplicably hosted SNL for the fourth time, Donald Trump, at his second inauguration, declared the government’s recognition of “only two genders.” Subsequently, his administration has enacted anti-trans executive orders, including one seeking to prohibit gender-affirming care for trans youth under 19, thereby leaving hospitals in blue states at a loss and patients without necessary care. Presently is not the appropriate time to provide airtime to a comedian with a transphobic stance. In fact, I firmly believe that there is never an acceptable time to do so.
Dave Chappelle may indeed be a skilled comedian who has influenced others and left his mark on SNL with the groundbreaking “Chappelle’s Show.” However, he also exhibits behavior akin to a bully, putting the well-being of trans individuals at risk. No amount of talent can justify jeopardizing the lives and safety of the LGBT community, or any marginalized community for that matter.
