Patton Oswalt took the stage with fellow stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle on New Year’s Eve, but he says that shouldn’t be read as an endorsement of his pal’s controversial takes.
In a lengthy Instagram post Sunday, Oswalt defended the surprise Seattle performance with his long-time friend and the celebratory photo he shared after.
“Thirty four YEARS we’ve been friends. He’s refocused and refined ideas a lot of us took as settled about race & history & Life On Planet Earth and spun them around with a phrase or punchline. We’ve done bad & good gigs, open mikes & TV tapings,” Oswalt, 52, wrote.
“But we also 100% disagree about transgender rights & representation. I support trans peoples’ rights — ANYONE’S rights — to live safely in the world as their fullest selves. For all the things he’s helped ME evolve on, I’ll always disagree with where he stands NOW on transgender issues. But I also don’t believe a seeker like him is done evolving, learning. You know someone that long, see the struggles and changes, it’s impossible to cut them off. Impossible not to be hopeful and open and cheer them on.”
Oswalt also said he hadn’t considered those who would feel betrayed by his association to Chappelle after the latter’s October Netflix special, “The Closer,” was bashed for anti-trans remarks.
“I’m sorry, truly sorry, that I didn’t consider the hurt this would cause. Or the DEPTH of that hurt. I’ve been messaging a lot on IG today, and the back and forth has really helped guide me in the writing of this,” he wrote.
“I (naively) deleted a lot of posts in the comment thread — critical ones from LGBTQ writers AND s—posts by TERF/anti-trans orcs looking for clicks & giggles. I wanted a ‘nice comment thread’ about the pic with my friend. Ugh. So easy to think someone ELSE needs growth and miss the need in yourself. Gonna keep trying.”
Despite the controversy, Chappelle has faced little consequence, with Netflix boss Ted Sarandos repeatedly defending him and the streaming service inviting him to take part in its 11-day stand-up comedy festival, “Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival,” in late April and early May.
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