Dave Chappelle tackles Middle East politics in ‘Saturday Night Live’ monologue – The Forward

Comedian Dave Chappelle hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the fourth time on January 18th. Provided by NBC

Written by Benjamin Cohen
January 19, 2025

Comedian Dave Chappelle, whose November 2022 Saturday Night Live monologue was widely criticized as anti-Semitic, avoided similar jokes when he hosted the show again on Saturday. However, he did mention the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“I was in the Middle East many years ago, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life after I left the show,” said Chappelle, 51. “Jimmy Carter flew to Israel while I was there.”

Mr. Chappelle recalled that Mr. Carter’s controversial book, “Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid,” was published in 2006. “People were very angry in Israel. There were a lot of mean articles in the newspapers, but there were also people who were supportive. And while there, Jimmy Carter said, ‘I’m going to the Palestinian territories. I want to,” he said. And the Israeli government said, “It’s too dangerous.” If you go, we can’t protect you. ”

Chappelle, wearing a navy suit and black tie and smoking a cigarette, became emotional as he told the audience at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Plaza the next part of the story. “I’ll never forget the sight of the former American president walking with little security as thousands of Palestinians cheered him on,” Chappelle said. “When I saw that picture, tears came to my eyes. I said, ‘I don’t know if he’s a good president, but he’s definitely a great person.’ That made me feel very proud. ”

Speaking to President-elect Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday, Chappelle said, “The presidency is not a place for small people.” The comedian ended by imploring President Trump to “remember your humanity and empathize with displaced people, whether it’s the Palisades or Palestine,” referring to the Los Angeles wildfires.

Dave Chappelle, Kanye West, Kyrie Irving

Chappelle’s 2022 hosting gig comes as rapper Kanye West, who has changed his name to Ye, has come under fire for a series of anti-Semitic rants. Chappelle mocked West, saying in his decades of acting, “There are two words in the English language that you should never say in succession: ‘the’ and ‘Jew.'”

Chappelle added, “I’ve been to Hollywood and no one’s mad, but I’m just saying what I saw.” “There are a lot of Jews. I really like it.”

He said the “delusion that Jews run show business” was “not crazy to think about” but “strange to say out loud.” He also said of West, “It’s a big deal. He broke the rules of show business. He broke the rules of show business.” You know, the law of perception. If they’re black, it’s a gang. If you’re Italian, you’re a mobster. If they are Jewish, that’s a coincidence and we should never talk about it. ”

Chappelle also addressed the controversy surrounding seven-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving. Irving was asked to meet with Jewish leaders after he tweeted about the film promoting a series of anti-Semitic canards.

“This is where I draw the line,” Chappelle said. “I know Jews have been through terrible things all over the world, but you can’t blame it on black Americans.”

The response to the 15-minute monologue was swift and sustained. The article dominated the news cycle for several weeks.

Saturday Night Live is in the midst of celebrating its 50th season. On January 25th, actor Timothée Chalamet will join the likes of the Rolling Stones and Jennifer Lopez as a rare performer who both hosts the show and performs the music. Chalamet is currently starring in a film as Bob Dylan, which uses Chalamet’s vocals to recreate the Jewish minstrel’s song.