Comedian Dave Chappelle allegedly mocked a nonbinary writer from Saturday Night Live (SNL) during a 2022 dress rehearsal, according to a report by Vulture. The article, based on anonymous sources close to SNL creator Lorne Michaels, sheds light on the incident and its aftermath.
The report was published on February 11, ahead of SNL’s 50th-anniversary special. It also explored Michaels’ influence on the show and the potential changes that could occur after his departure. Michaels declined an interview for the feature.
In 2022, Michaels invited Chappelle to host SNL just after the U.S. midterm elections, which were marked by heightened discussions about transgender issues. This was amid ongoing controversy surrounding Chappelle’s anti-trans comments. According to Vulture, a nonbinary writer at the show expressed their wish to sit out during Chappelle’s episode. Michaels reportedly allowed the request. However, a Page Six report misreported the situation, claiming that multiple writers were boycotting the episode. At the time, an anonymous source clarified there was no actual boycott, stating, “They’re not going to do the show. But none of the actors are boycotting.” Both the show and Chappelle’s representatives denied the existence of a boycott.
The incident prompted Chappelle to make a joke during the dress rehearsal. He reportedly said, “The papers got it wrong. Only one person has a problem, but the paper got confused because that person is a they,” referring to the nonbinary writer.
The joke upset some SNL cast and crew members, who reportedly sent angry messages to Michaels and other producers, feeling betrayed. While Michaels initially objected to the joke, his concern was not rooted in transphobia but in the potential damage it could cause to relationships within the cast. Ultimately, Chappelle chose to leave the joke out of the live broadcast.
Chappelle returned to host SNL in January 2025, during the first episode of the second half of its 50th season. He is also scheduled to appear in the upcoming anniversary special.
