Chappelle Resents Boebert Politicizing His Trans Jokes

Comedian Dave Chappelle expressed resentment toward Republicans for using his jokes about transgender people in political messaging during a recent interview on NPR's Newsmakers program. The comments, aired on Wednesday, highlighted a specific incident involving Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert, who posted a photo with Chappelle in November 2023 that he said politicized his work without his consent.

Chappelle described the encounter during his visit to Capitol Hill, where members of Congress from various offices approached him for photographs. "I just take pictures with whoever asks. I didn't ask how they vote or what their voting record is," he told NPR host Michel Martin. After posing with members of the Congressional Black Caucus and others, Boebert and Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna requested a selfie. Chappelle, who had already taken about 40 photos, agreed despite his reluctance. Shortly after, Boebert shared the image on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, with the caption: "Just three people who understand there's only two genders." The post, now deleted, drew immediate attention.

Chappelle said he addressed the matter directly upon arriving at...