Bill Maher Backs Dave Chappelle Amid Netflix Series Controversy

Bill Maher has been on a roll of late and this time, he's sticking up for comedian Dave Chappelle.

Chappelle is under fire from the woke mob who are out to cancel him for his media described transphobic remarks on his Netflix series, "The Closer." Netflix employees were so offended and upset that they staged a walkout and protest over a joke. Among several jokes that Chappelle made about the LGBTQ+ community was this:

"In our country, you can shoot and kill a n*****," Chappelle said. "But you better not hurt a gay person's feelings."

On his show "Real Time" on Friday, Maher slapped cancel culture across the face and gave his impression on the outrage.

"What the f--- was that reaction?" Maher asked. "Everyone needs to Netflix and chill the f--- out on this one," Maher said. "Really? Dave's special is offensive but not the show where the Koreans murder each other for money?"

Maher is preaching to the choir on this one, as comedy continues to be scrutinized for not being sensitive enough to everyone. He then pointed out that we can't be afraid to speak in America, an idea being challenged at every turn.

"I'm a free-speech guy," Maher said. "Now, I'm Team Dave but that doesn't mean I'm anti-trans. We can have two thoughts in our head at the same time." 

Chappelle's act was even accused of "white privilege" by NPR, who said he's using it as an excuse to hide his own homophobia and transphobia. Maher wasn't having any of that assertion and called out NPR for labeling Chappelle's words as such.

"Wait, now Dave Chappelle can have White privilege? I'm really confused now," Maher said. "Can someone explain that to me? Where does this insanity come from? … I've done three editorials on White loathing.

"It's like a kink. White people needing to hate themselves. It's like the guy likes to be whipped and told he's a worm by some woman with a high heel in his neck. Isn't it?" 

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Nick Geddes is a 2021 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. A life-long sports enthusiast, Nick shares a passion for sports writing and is proud to represent OutKick.