Dave Chappelle Asks Trump to Have Empathy for “Displaced People, Whether They’re in the Palisades or Palestine” in ‘SNL’ Monologue

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In the debut of Saturday Night Live’s 2025 season, Dave Chappelle kicked things off with a powerful monologue, touching on a variety of topics such as the L.A. wildfires, Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, and the numerous accusations against Sean “Diddy” Combs.

This past Saturday, Chappelle made his fourth appearance as host, sharing duties with musical guest GloRilla. Notably, the comedian has been on the show after major elections and his previous hosting gigs were in November 2016, 2020, and 2022; this time, he stepped onto the stage only two days before Trump would have been inaugurated for a second term.

Stepping onto the stage with a cigarette in hand, Chappelle casually informed the audience that Lorne Michaels, the SNL boss, had invited him to host the first post-2024 election episode. However, Chappelle declined due to his current prosperity, saying “Things are going great, I’ve completed my Netflix deal, I’m swimming in money and possessions.” Despite Michaels’ persistence, Chappelle suggested he mark the date closest to January 6th. When the chosen date arrived, the comedian reiterated his refusal to host but eventually agreed as a means to discard old Trump jokes and start anew, saying “I can get rid of all these old Trump jokes and begin afresh, so I might as well do it.

As soon as I agreed, Los Angeles seemed to ignite,” I quipped, acknowledging it’s far too premature for humor about a tragedy such as this, eliciting chuckles from the audience. This joke, however, strikes a personal chord, as so many of my friends found their homes reduced to embers.

Later, I browse online and watch fiery videos, read the comments, and it’s filled with people saying things like, ‘It serves those celebrities right, I hope their homes catch fire.’ This is why I dislike people struggling financially, because they can’t see beyond their own hardships.” He also pondered on a theory suggesting the fires were intentionally started. He acknowledged the high winds and dry terrain of L.A., but added “If you think logically, you must at least consider the possibility that something or someone is targeting these people, perhaps even viewing them as sinners. And it’s tragic because West Hollywood was untouched, which makes one wonder if it was already engulfed in sin.

Chappelle discussed the Luigi Mangione case, as well as Trump’s claims that immigrants in his hometown were consuming pets like dogs and cats. He then shifted to talking about Diddy’s arrest.

Chappelle brought up both the Luigi Mangione incident and Trump’s comments about immigrants eating pets in Ohio, before moving on to discussing Diddy’s arrest.

He’s expressed that he’s been through quite a bit himself, but this individual, Puffy, appears to be in some serious hot water; I can’t recall ever witnessing anything quite like it,” he shared, as he discussed the rumors about Diddy’s wild parties. “They’d often ask if I knew anything about his exclusive events, and they’d say things like, ‘Well, how is it that you know all these people at these events but weren’t there yourself?’ It took me a moment to think about it, and then it dawned on me – I must be unattractive. That was quite a shocking realization. Imagine finding out in the newspaper that everyone in Hollywood had participated in an orgy without inviting you? None of you reached out?

Chappelle playfully admitted, “I do possess a bit of ‘tattletale spirit.’ I look like I might blab,” and further commented, “With Diddy turning 55 and stockpiling a thousand bottles of baby oil, it’s clear you’ve immersed yourself in the lifestyle. You’re dedicated to this path.

Subsequently, he delved into politics, reminiscing about Jimmy Carter’s recent passing and the profound impact of Carter’s visit to Palestine with minimal security. “When I beheld that image, it stirred emotions within me. I expressed my doubt about whether he was a good president or not, but in that moment, I firmly believed he was an exceptional individual. It filled me with great pride.

The presidency isn’t suitable for small-minded individuals. Donald Trump, I believe you follow this program – listen, regardless of whether people voted for you or not, they’re all relying on you. Whether they admire you or not, they’re all counting on you. The entire world is depending on you. And when I say this, I genuinely mean it: good luck. Try to improve next time. We all need to do better next time. Don’t forget your humanity and show compassion for displaced people, regardless of where they are – whether it’s in the Palisades or Palestine.

This upcoming season, which marks 50 years of Saturday Night Live, is going to be honored with a special three-hour broadcast on February 16. On January 25, Timothée Chalamet will take the stage as both host and musical performer. Given his recent portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, it’s likely that he’ll sing some covers of Dylan’s songs during the show.

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2025-01-19 08:55