Michelle Buteau slams Dave Chappelle's 'dangerous' anti-trans jokes in debut Netflix special

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Comedian Michelle Buteau, known for her debut Netflix comedy special 'Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall', recently addressed Dave Chappelle’s controversial jokes about the transgender community.

During her set, the 47-year-old comedian shared a story about a "Black lesbian friend," which sparked mixed reactions from the audience— some laughs, and some discomfort.

Noticing the diverse responses, Buteau took the opportunity to reflect on the role of comedians, including Dave Chappelle and the impact of their jokes, offering her perspective on what should and shouldn’t be said on stage.

Michelle Buteau blasts Dave Chappelle over his anti-trans jokes

In her debut Netflix comedy special, 'Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall', released on Tuesday, December 31, Michelle Buteau took aim at Dave Chappelle. She shared a story about her Black lesbian friend and used the opportunity to criticize Chappelle’s controversial jokes about the transgender community.

Buteau emphasized that comedians have a responsibility to "tell jokes and stories without disparaging an entire community," adding, "We can do that. We can make it funny, We just have to work at it, right?"

She then addressed Chappelle directly, saying, "If you ever run into Dave Chappelle can you let him know that s**t? I don’t think he knows that s**t." Buteau humorously referred to Chappelle as “the GOAT,” an acronym typically meaning “greatest of all time.” However, she added that in Chappelle’s case, “GOAT” stands for “going off on trans people.”

She continued, "Dave, it’s not funny. It’s dangerous. Make it funny. I can’t believe somebody would make millions and millions of dollars for making people feel unsafe. That is so wild to me, truly."

Buteau also expressed her vision for her own career, saying, "I’m manifesting this s**t tonight. This is a Radio City Music Hall takeover, and I’m gonna tell everybody I wanna make millions and millions of dollars for making people feel safe, seen, secure, heard and entertained."

Her remarks came after Chappelle faced backlash in 2021 for his anti-trans comments in his Netflix special 'The Closer'. Despite the controversy, Chappelle refused to apologize and doubled down on his stance in his 2023 special 'The Dreamer,' as per the New York Post.

Internet divided as Michelle Buteau calls out Dave Chappelle over his anti-trans jokes

After Michelle Buteau's comments on Dave Chappelle's anti-trans jokes, many internet users quickly shared their reactions. One fan of Buteau wrote, "I already loved her… now I truly adore her.." 

One more fan noted, “She’s right. He hasn’t told an actual joke in years.”

A person on Facebook claimed, "She isn't wrong though and Dave's big problem is he leaned into it a lot. Every special of his became about him being a target and him not giving a s**t and attacking again. Dave's hilarious, but he's hilarious without resorting to cheap attacks on a community that's already continuously attacked. It really just came off as lazy to me. He used to be funnier.” 

One mocked Buteau, "She just gave Chappelle something to work on for his next show, this sh*t is too easy for him. Now he's gonna talk not only about the trans community but you in the process as well... 🤣🤣🤣" 

While some expressed support for Buteau, others defended Chappelle, claiming, "Dave Chappelle is the best comedian and we people cry about his jokes it makes it even funnier" One more added, "Michelle, don't make us stop watching your bulls**t. We don't go against Dave chapelle.”

Another individual said, “His remarks aren't even hateful or anything. Once again, the ones screaming the loudest for tolerance are the most intolerant of other views.”

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.