Comedian Dave Chappelle was once at the top of his game, but now in the eyes of his Jewish fanbase, that has dwindled significantly after his calls to "free Palestine" at a recent comedy show at Boston's TD Garden on Thursday night.
Chapelle criticized the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombing of Gaza in response to the slaughter of 1,400 civilians and soldiers and 220 captives in Gaza at the hands of Hamas terrorists. He also criticized the United States government's pledged support.
Chappelle reportedly spoke in part about students and those expressing support for Hamas and Palestine losing job offers. However, after a heckler told him to shut up, only leading to the comic expanding on his opinions on the conflict, US media reported.
Accusations aimed at Israel
Chappelle went on to reportedly accuse Israel of "killing civilians and committing war crimes," according to Page Six. Deadline reported that he also added that the US is complicit in "aiding the slaughter of innocent civilians."
US media reported that the response was mixed, with some people clapping and calling to "free Palestine," while many attendees walked out of the show.
People who walked out turned to social media to express their discomfort and feeling of lack of safety. A spokesperson for the comedian told The Wall Street Journal that he denied even being in Boston for the show, despite evidence that his show was advertised and not canceled.
Artists like Madonna have faced the same backlash as Chappelle.