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GU I D E to Y E L L OW S P R I NG S | 2O22 – 2O23 63 up blows my mind, [even when] sometimes I whole - heartedly disagree with him.” Silverman’s comment was one of the show’s rare suggestions that gala guests might have dissenting opinions about Chappelle’s comedic content. It’s been widely reported that Chappelle has come under critical fire over the last few years for some of the material in his newer routines. His “Sticks and Stones” special for Netflix drew criticism for derisive statements about two men who have accused the late singer Michael Jackson of sexual abuse and scornful jokes about the LGBTQ com - munity, whom he calls “the alphabet people.” Following his receipt of the Mark Twain Prize, in 2021, Netflix released Chappelle’s special “The Closer,” which drew even more widespread backlash for jokes that took aim at the transgender community. But fellow entertainers who stopped to talk to the press before the presentation of the prize asserted Chap - pelle had a right to make controversial or distasteful comments. “To mention [topics that are supposedly off limits], that’s what makes Dave Chappelle great,” said longtime friend and collaborator Donnell Rawlings, who attended the gala as an audience member. “I don’t always agree with what he says, but it’s always real,” said insult comic Jeff Ross, another celebrity in the audience. Later, on stage, Michael Che, a head writer at “Satur - day Night Live” and the co- host of that show’s “Weekend Update” segment, asserted that being an honest. i.e. real, comedian doesn’t necessarily mean making statements that are true. “Rodney Dangerfield was actually mostly respected,” he said of the comedian whose catchphrase claimed he got no respect. As for Chappelle, “He’ll make fun of everyone,” Che said. “Whether you’re white, or gay. End of list,” adding a dig to his otherwise flattering comments. Chappelle, for his part, speaking on the red carpet before the show, said he believes in an artist’s right to be wrong, to go too far and possibly fail. “If I wipe out, I hope people will find it in their hearts to forgive,” he said. In answer to this reporter’s question about whether he re-evaluated his work and its impact after learning he would be awarded this year’s Mark Twain Prize, Chappelle paused to reflect. “No!” he concluded, and laughed. “But I am truly honored,” ▲ Chappelle accepting the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a gala celebration Oct. 27, 2019 at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. 237 Xenia Avenue • 937-767-8291 • ITEMS VARY DAILY AGourmet Deli & Contemporary Catering Company • Freshly Made Salads, Sandwiches & Soups • Fresh Gourmet Dessert WWW. CURRENTCUISINE .COM • Business Boxed Lunches • Full Service Catering • Special Occasion/ Wedding Cakes