Dave Chappelle criticized that he joked that a “trans man” attacked him on stage

Dave Chappelle was criticized for joking that the person who attacked him on stage was a trans man.

The comedian appeared as part of the Netflix it’s a joke Festival in Los Angeles on Wednesday (May 4) when an unnamed bystander approached him.

According to eyewitnesses, Chappelle was thrown to the ground before security removed the attacker from the stage.

Though the Hollywood Bowl crowd was banned from having their phones at the show, some video footage has surfaced showing Chappelle’s reaction right after the event.

After thanking a security guard for his help during the crash, the comedian can be heard into the microphone: “It was a trans man.”

In response, some viewers have shared their irritation at Chappelle’s decision to make the joke.

Noting some of the reactions to the incident so far, one person wrote on Twitter: “All these people are omitting the fact that Dave Chappelle joked that it was a ‘trans man’ who ran onto the stage to hit him, though we don’t know who it was.

“All we know is that things are going to get worse in this country and it’s only gotten worse for trans people, and Dave encourages that.”

Another commenter added: “Dave Chappelle gets attacked on stage and the first thing he does is mention trans people. This man is possessed.”

Another person noted that the comedian seemed keen for an opportunity to speak out about trans people: “An unidentified man attacks Chappelle. As the crowd celebrates his assailant being crushed by security forces, Chappelle turns the collective celebration of violence to focus not on free speech but on trans identity.”

Chappelle has previously made headlines for his comments about transgender people on his standup shows. In October, a civil rights organization called for his latest special, The nearerbeing removed from Netflix over “continuing violence” against trans people.

Responding to criticism of his comments at the time, Chappelle emphasized his stance in a video posted to social media: “To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience, but you will not subpoena me. I bow to no one.”

The Independent has reached out to a representative for Dave Chappelle for comment.