Jerry Seinfeld Says Dave Chappelle’s SNL Monologue About Antisemitism ‘Provokes Conversation’

Jerry Seinfeld didn’t have much to say about Dave Chappelle’s controversial SNL Monologue that focused on the Jewish community and Kanye West’s recent anti-Semitism controversy.

During the November 12 broadcast, Chappelle himself was accused of anti-Semitism when he said there were “a lot of Jews” in Hollywood and suggested that “they” could take his platform away from him.

Seinfeld, who is Jewish himself, was asked in a new interview what he thought of the monologue The Hollywood Reporter.

“I thought the comedy was well done,” Seinfeld said. “But I think the topic calls for a conversation, which I don’t want to have in this place.”

Asked further if he was “uncomfortable” with the monologue, Seinfeld replied, “It provokes a conversation that I hope will be productive.”

The namesake His field Adding that he doesn’t have a “close relationship” with Chappelle, as the interviewer suggested, Star said, “We’re friends and it’s not a close relationship.”

In the comedy monologue address, Chappelle argued that West broke “the rules of perception” by suggesting that there was a Jewish conspiracy at the heart of the media industry.

He explained, “You know, the rules of perception. If they’re black, it’s a gang. If they’re Italian, it’s a mob. If you’re Jewish, that’s a coincidence and you should never talk about it.”

Chop Star Hannah Einbinder was among those who criticized Chappelle for the monologue, which she said fueled anti-Semitic sentiments.

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The actor claimed Chappelle “applied an ingenious technique: two truths and a lie” and was able to share anti-Semitic conspiracy rhetoric by sandwiching it between “solid jokes” that she, too, “laughed” at.

“No one laughing at the solid jokes would be willing to admit that there was anti-Semitism in that monologue, because that admission would then qualify them as an accomplice,” Einbinder said.

Chappelle’s monologue was also condemned by the national director of the Anti-Defamation League.

“We shouldn’t expect @DaveChappelle to serve as society’s moral compass, but it’s disturbing to see @nbcsnl not only normalize #antisemitism but popularize it,” Jonathan Greenblatt wrote on Twitter.

“Why are Jewish sensibilities denied or belittled on almost every corner? Why does our trauma elicit applause?”

Chappelle has become a polarizing figure in recent years over jokes that critics called transphobic, which he didn’t address in his monologue.

Backlash over Chappelle’s comments about trans people has previously led to venues canceling planned stand-up performances. Earlier this year, plans to name a high school theater in Chappelle’s honor were scrapped at the comedian’s request after an outcry from students.

Nevertheless, Chappelle continued to tour extensively, and his special The nearer was recently nominated for an Emmy.