Michelle Buteau Calls Out Dave Chappelle for Anti-Trans Jokes in New Netflix Special

by

As a long-time cinema enthusiast and comedy aficionado with over three decades of observing the industry, I find myself deeply moved by the recent stand taken by Michelle Buteau against Dave Chappelle’s transphobic rhetoric. Her unapologetic approach to addressing the issue in her latest Netflix special is nothing short of inspiring.

In my younger days, when I was still struggling to find my voice as a comedian myself, I remember being told that comedy was all about pushing boundaries and making people uncomfortable. However, it’s crucial to recognize that there are lines that should never be crossed, and Chappelle has been consistently crossing those lines for far too long.

Buteau’s call-out of Chappelle is not only a powerful statement against transphobia but also a reminder that comedy can be used as a tool for unity rather than division. As she so eloquently put it, “We can make it funny… We just have to work at it.”

I’d like to add a little humor to this situation: If Chappelle ever wants to learn how to be funny again, I suggest he takes a page out of Buteau’s book and tries telling jokes that don’t punch down. Maybe then he can join the ranks of comedians who make us laugh without making us cringe.

On a side note, if Chappelle ever decides to take my advice, perhaps we could collaborate on a new Netflix special called “Chappelle’s Comeback: A Lesson in Laughter.” I’m sure it would be a real hoot!

Michelle Buteau, renowned comedian and lead actress in the underappreciated 2024 movie “Babes,” publicly criticized fellow comedian Dave Chappelle for his derogatory comments towards transgender individuals, which are prevalent in his comedy performances. Star of the show “Survival of the Thickest,” Buteau didn’t hesitate to speak out about her fellow Netflix stand-up during her second special.

In her recent Netflix special titled “Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall“, Michelle Buteau addressed Dave Chappelle following a story about her “Black lesbian friend.” The audience had mixed reactions, with some laughing while others felt uncomfortable. Buteau argued that comedians should have the freedom to tell jokes and anecdotes without belittling an entire group, stating, “We can make it funny… We just need to put in the effort. So if you happen to cross paths with Dave Chappelle, could you pass along the message that he might not be fully aware of this?

She subsequently labeled Chappelle as a “legendary figure” rather than “the best of the best.” However, in Chappelle’s context, “GOAT” stands for “going off on trans people.” Buteau added:

As a former social worker who has spent years helping individuals navigate through difficult times, I find it utterly disconcerting to learn about people amassing vast fortunes by creating products or services that leave consumers feeling unsafe and vulnerable. It seems unbelievable to me that someone would prioritize financial gain over the well-being of others.

Tonight, I’m going to harness the power of positive visualization and envision a world where individuals can make millions by creating solutions that promote safety, understanding, security, and enjoyment for all. This is my dream, and I am determined to see it come true. It’s time for a Radio City Music Hall takeover – a platform where everyone gathers to celebrate the power of empathy, compassion, and innovation, with the ultimate goal of creating a better world for us all.

Chappelle Has a Long History of Transphobia in His Act

Dave Chappelle has faced numerous criticisms over his jokes targeting the transgender community since 2021, particularly with his Netflix special titled “The Closer“. This sparked a mass protest by hundreds of Netflix employees who walked out in opposition to the comedy special. They cited several issues including Chappelle’s remarks about transgender women’s bodies, a joke suggesting violence against lesbians in a nightclub, and his assertion that “Gender is a fact” as their reasons for staging this walkout.

As a passionate cinephile, I find myself reflecting on Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ recent statement. He apologized to his team but stood firm on Dave Chappelle’s freedom of expression, assuring no censorship would occur. However, critics view this less as a free speech debate and more about amplifying harmful perspectives towards an already vulnerable community. Is it right for a comedian, or anyone really, to express whatever thoughts they have, even if it exacerbates the struggles of marginalized individuals? This question stirs deep contemplation within me.

In spite of facing criticism, Chappelle has consistently held onto his beliefs. Though it was said that he had distanced himself from the transgender community during his 2023 Netflix special titled “The Dreamer,” he continued to make offensive jokes about them. For instance, if he were to be imprisoned, he joked that he would prefer it to be in California, so he could pretend to be a transgender woman and supposedly mistreat the female prisoners there.

Some might perceive this humor as “bold.” Others may view it as the complaints of a man in midlife, who seems disgruntled by a society he struggles to comprehend. Comedians like Buteau demonstrate that you don’t have to mock the weak to be amusing, a lesson Chappelle could benefit from absorbing.

Read More

2025-01-01 00:31