CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 20: Dave Chappelle looks on during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket … [+]
Dave Chappelle served as a surprise opener for Chris Rock and Kevin Hart’s sold-out Madison Square Garden show. The controversial comic did a set for the packed Saturday night audience. Rock and then Hart followed Chappelle.
“Had to sneak my way in here,” he reportedly said after coming out unannounced save for a large “C” projected on the screens. “Despite what you may have read about in the news, I’m okay, and I appreciate the support.” This isn’t the first time Chappelle has served as a surprise opener. He opened for John Mulaney in May and was met with criticism by many of Mulaney’s fans.
Chappelle recently was forced to move a Minnesota show due to backlash over anti-LQBTQ comments. During Saturday’s 20-minute surprise set, he addressed the Minnesota venue ban as well as being attacked at a recent Hollywood Bowl show. During the set, he said he wished that the attacker gets monkeypox and went on to say, “Not that he should die, but his ass should itch for four to six weeks.” The Half Baked star has been no stranger to controversy since a string of transphobic comments in his Netflix
The comedians critiqued “cancel culture” at the sold-out arena show. Rock also quipped, “Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.”
The show ended with all three comedians on stage. The three then debated over who was the G.O.A.T or Greatest of All-Time. Hart then gave Rock a live goat wearing gold chains.
The show was part of the Headliners Only mini-tour. Both Rock and Hart are set to begin more extensive tours, which end in the fall.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rosaescandon/2022/07/24/dave-chappelle-surprise-opens-chris-rock-and-kevin-hart-show-in-new-york/