Although claiming to be nothing more than a comedian and American, actor Dave Chappelle has come under fire in recent months for his string of Netflix specials that focused on many hot topics plaguing the country today. Pointing a spotlight on the matter and ending with a punchline, Chappelle appeared to anger members within the transgender community when he made comments about what makes a woman a woman. Following the backlash, Chappelle apparently can’t even enjoy reminiscing with old friends as another comedian Patton Oswalt apologized for triggering members of the LGBTQ community for doing nothing more than posting a picture with Chappelle. 

In the Instagram post below, Oswalt accompanied the picture with the words, “Come over to the arena he’s performing in next door and do a guest set. Why not? I waved good-bye to this hell-year with a genius I started comedy with 34 years ago. He works an arena like he’s talking to one person and charming their skin off. Anyway, I ended the year with a real friend and a deep laugh. Can’t ask for much more.”

 

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While a genuine message about friends looking back on the time they’ve spent together, the post drew the liberal comedian some critics. The backlash was so major that Oswalt followed his tweet with, “I saw a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time this New Year’s Eve. We’ve known each other since we’re teens. He’s a fellow comedian, the funniest I’ve ever met. I wanted to post a pic & an IG story about it — so I did. The friend is Dave Chappelle. Thirty four YEARS we’ve been friends. 

He would add, “We’ve done bad & good gigs, open mikes & TV tapings. But we also 100% disagree about transgender rights & representation. I support trans peoples’ rights — ANYONE’S rights — to live safely in the world as their fullest selves. For all the things he’s helped ME evolve on, I’ll always disagree with where he stands NOW on transgender issues. I’m sorry, truly sorry, that I didn’t consider the hurt this would cause. Or the DEPTH of that hurt.” 

Although Oswalt was quick to apologize, fellow comedian Aries Spears didn’t understand why he had to in the first place. “It’s an unfortunately climate we live in where you gotta apologize for things you shouldn’t have to apologize for. Bottom line is when Dave Chappelle summons you, you’ll have a good time, and if people can’t handle that, that’s on them.”