Dave Chappelle calls for donations to alma mater after Netflix controversy
Dave Chappelle wants people to vote with their dollars.
The comedian, who sparked controversy with a Netflix special that mocked transgender women, was set to have the theater at his alma mater named after him, with a fundraiser to be held Nov. 23 for the effort.
But the Netflix debate seeped into his old high school, where students at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, threatened to walk out in protest. School administrators then delayed the theater fundraiser until April.
Chappelle took to Instagram Friday night, urging people to donate to the school while indicating their opinion.
“Talk is cheap (Unless I do it). The Duke Ellington school is a glorious institution. Within those walls I found a context to explore my creativity seriously. Duke Ellington, in large part, prepared me to undertake this noble and difficult profession. It was a fine institution before any of its current occupants got there. God willing, it will be a fine institution long after their tenure is done. My only intent is to insure (sic) Duke Ellington the opportunity to train its artists unfettered.”
“Having the theater named after me is a great honor. Although, that was not my idea, aim or desire. At the request of our beloved school’s founder, Peggy Cooper Kafritz, I accepted,” he continued.
“In April, I intend to honor that request. If you object to my receiving this honor, I urge you to donate to the school noting your objection. If you are in favor of the theater being named ‘Chappelle’, I urge you to donate to the school, noting your approval.
“Whichever opinion donates the highest collective dollar amount, wins. If by April, those against the ‘Chappelle’ theater exceed the donations of those who are neutral or in favor of the theater being named ‘Chappelle’, I will gladly steal aside. If not, I will happily attend the naming ceremony. And if you don’t care enough to donate… please shut the f–k up, forever. – Dave.”
