Opinion: MAGA Still Does Not Understand Comedy or Dave Chappelle’s Provocations

A joke sparks backlash

A recording shared online captured Chappelle reflecting on Kirk’s murder. He said, “I feel better,” while acknowledging he should not say so publicly. The setting and context of the remarks remain unclear.

The writer calls the joke abhorrent, given Kirk’s public assassination, but says Chappelle has made offensive jokes about many groups and individuals. The backlash, the writer argues, highlights a perceived inconsistency in how some critics approach free speech.

Criticism from public figures

Kirk’s widow, Erika, condemned people who treated political assassination as entertainment. “Political violence must never be something this country tolerates, excuses, or celebrates,” she wrote on X. Elon Musk called Chappelle cruel. Matt Walsh used several insults and appeared to suggest on his podcast that Chappelle should be arrested and deported. Rob Schneider also rebuked the comedian, saying nobody should feel better after a person’s violent murder.

Different standards for jokes

The writer questions whether the right applies a consistent rule against joking about recently murdered people. The article points to a joke by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe about George Floyd during a Netflix roast hosted by Kevin Hart, saying it drew no comparable outrage on the right. Chappelle echoed the joke’s wording about Floyd when referring to Kirk at Madison Square Garden. The writer suggests the line may have been a deliberate response, while noting Chappelle had criticized Kirk before, including in his special “The Unstoppable.”

Comedy and free speech

The writer says the dispute shows how comedy has become part of broader battles over free speech. Chappelle’s supporters, including Musk and Kirk, had previously praised or defended his jokes about transgender people.

The National Review criticized progressive opposition to Chappelle’s views on transgenderism, while Musk argued that excessive sensitivity was harming comedy. The writer sees a contrast between that defense of Chappelle’s work and the reaction to his remarks about Kirk.