One man dared to speak his mind in front of a national audience.
And the liberal media is trying to destroy his career and his life.
But now, he is refusing to back down, and taking the fight directly to the authoritarian Left.
Dave Chappelle has been one of the most famous and iconic comedians in America for decades. He has built up an audience over the course of his career that surpasses virtually any other comedian.
During that time, Chappelle has never been afraid to speak his mind. His comedy can be edgy and offensive to some, but he has never held back from telling the jokes that he thinks are funny.
In his latest special, The Closer, Chappelle made some jokes about the transgender community. This was not surprising to his fans, since he makes jokes about everybody – white, black, Hispanic, gay, straight, transgender.
But there was an immediate backlash from transgender political advocates, and their allies in the corporate media.
And they made it their mission to get him removed from Netflix, banished from public life, and have his livelihood taken away forever.
Most people probably assumed that Chappelle would back down and issue a groveling apology for how his words had “hurt” people.
But to everyone’s surprise, he did not do that. Instead, he doubled down.
Chappelle said at a public appearance that “I said what I said.” He went on to say, “to the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience, but you will not summon me. I am not bending to anyone’s demands.”
At the end of the video, Chappelle asked “am I canceled or not? Then let’s go!” as the audience cheered for him.
Netflix has been tentatively holding the line on keeping Chappelle’s special on their platform, although they have shown signs of buckling under the pressure.
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos initially made a strong statement in support of Chappelle and artistic freedom.
However, after this statement was rejected by the social justice mob, he apologized profusely, saying “I should have made sure to recognize that a group of our employees was hurting very badly from the decision I made.”
Netflix thus far has said they are not taking down Chappelle’s special. However, this incident has far-reaching effects beyond just Chappelle.
Dave Chappelle is a very difficult person to truly “cancel” because of his extraordinary popularity and fame. Someone of his stature will always be treated differently.
However, young up-and-coming comedians who want the freedom to make jokes will surely look at this incident and conclude, “I can’t make fun of the Left. They’ll ruin me.”
Regardless of whether Chappelle gets canceled or not, this is an incredibly dangerous incident for comedy, and for free speech in general.
Americans should go out and buy Chappelle’s comedy special, to prove to Netflix – and the rest of corporate America – that free speech is good for business.
Because right now, corporations across America are concluding the opposite. They think free speech is bad for business.
And it’s up to conservatives to take action and prove them wrong.