Dave Chappelle doesn’t typically open for performers, but on Saturday he did when he energised the audience before Chris Rock and Kevin Hart took the stage.
At Madison Square Garden in New York City, everyone was ready for a tremendous surprise. Without a preamble, Dave just entered the room with a cigarette. He entered to Radiohead’s “Karma Police,” spoke in-depth on cancel culture, and the audience lapped it all up.
The venue that postponed his show in Minneapolis a few days ago after protests started was indirectly mentioned. Despite what you may have seen in the news, Dave said, “Had to sneak my way in here,” adding, “I appreciate the support.”
He didn’t just briefly appear on stage; his introductory act, as is customary, lasted more than 20 minutes. Dave complained that his bodyguards were “sliding all over the place like at a bowling alley” when he was tackled at the Hollywood Bowl, claiming that their dress shoes made them slow to react.
He made it apparent that he was upset that news organisations had referred to the attack as “alleged” while, in reality, video had been taken of it.
Dave expressed his wish for his attacker to contract monkeypox while incarcerated, adding, “Not that he should die, but his ass should itch for four to six weeks.”
Chris Rock and Kevin Hart didn’t let up, their hilarious performances left the crowd in hysterics. They also dropped several Will Smith references: “Anyone who thinks words hurt has never been hit in the face,” Chris added, mocking the cancel culture.
The three comedians reassembled on stage to close the show. The dispute over who was the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) continued until Hart appeared to put an end to it by bringing out a live goat adorned in gold chains to close the show.