Longtime friend and coworker Dave Chappelle has upset Wanda Sykes by making jokes about transgender people.
In 2021, when Chappelle’s Netflix special “The Closer” was released, he received a lot of criticism. A trans-exclusionary radical feminist (or “Team TERF,” for short) was a group to which the comedian in question ascribed himself in the video. In addition, he praised “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, who has received backlash for arguing that biological sex is an undeniable fact and that men cannot be women.
His comments sparked widespread outrage and calls for Chappelle’s cancellation when he made them. Workers at Netflix went on a walkout to express their displeasure.
Sykes recently spoke with Variety about the “inclusive” bathroom policies that enable people to use the toilet that corresponds with their gender identity.
I was aware of the sensitivity of the topic. Sykes said, “I’m not trans, but they have my support, 100%.
I’ve been trying to find a way to bring attention to their plight and demonstrate how inane and divisive their situation is. Once, when using the ladies’ room, I remember thinking, “Who would want to come in here anyway?” In that moment, I realized that I desperately needed to use the men’s restroom. On occasion, it’s even spotless. And that was the seed for the whole exchange. For some reason, restrooms have always made me uncomfortable.
Sykes said Chappelle did harm to transgender people, and she was asked if her bit “balances out” what Chappelle said about transgender-related themes.
I don’t know whether there’s any way to make up for what he said, which I believe was really harmful to the trans community. I’d say the odds are still slightly in their favor for the time being. So much has been said on that stage, but I knew I needed to say something,” she said, adding that she hoped to land “on the other side of it.”
Sykes said she still “loves” Chappelle despite the hoopla surrounding “The Closer,” but that they haven’t spoken since the show’s premiere.
I haven’t had the opportunity to contact him yet. She told Variety, “If our paths ever crossed, I would definitely speak up.”
Additionally, Sykes stated that she considers it a “compliment” when people refer to her as a “woke” comedian.
The humor is quite good. It’s fine with me if you want to call me a “woke comic.” This is fantastic. The fact that “Oh, they’re woke” is used as a pejorative makes me chuckle. She expressed her gratitude.