Dave Chappelle says there's a 'genocide' in the Gaza Strip as Israel-Hamas war rages on there

Dave Chappelle says there's a 'genocide' in the Gaza Strip as Israel-Hamas war rages on there

Dave Chappelle says there's a 'genocide' in the Gaza Strip as Israel-Hamas war rages on there

American comedian Dave Chappelle has said a “genocide” is striking the Gaza Strip amid the Israel-Hamas war to cheers during his performance in the capital of the United Arab Emirates

ByJON GAMBRELL Associated Press

May 23, 2024, 3:44 PM

    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates -- American comedian Dave Chappelle said a “genocide” is striking the Gaza Strip amid the Israel-Hamas war to cheers during his performance in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, while urging Americans to fight antisemitism so Jews don’t feel like they need to be protected by Israel.

    Chappelle’s comments come as Abu Dhabi has maintained its diplomatic relations with Israel even as it has increasingly criticized its conduct in the seven-month war.

    Meanwhile, while pro-Palestinian marches have swept across the wider Middle East since the war began, protests and speech remains tightly restricted in the Emirates, a federation of seven sheikdoms on the Arabian Peninsula.

    Even before coming on stage, the full crowd at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena cheered as DJ Trauma, who accompanied Chappelle on the trip, played the song “My Blood is Palestinian” by the Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf. The thousands there agreed to place their switched-off mobile phones in locked pouches for the performance — a standard feature of Chappelle's shows.

    About halfway through in a wide-ranging comedy set in Abu Dhabi, Chappelle, a Muslim, initially said he had been told by his friends either to discuss the war or not. From the audience, a woman screamed: “Free Palestine!” The crowd cheered.

    Chappelle then said the Gaza Strip faces a “genocide." He also said that making Jews safer in America amid rising cases of antisemitism would make them realize they don’t need Israel as an ultimate protector.

    Another moment also displayed just how diverse the crowd was in the Abu Dhabi. In telling another joke about how Jews cheer while drinking, Chappelle said “l’chaim,” or “to life” in Hebrew, which another man shouted back from the audience.

    But when touching on the upcoming U.S. election, Chappelle’s mention of President Joe Biden — who has promised “ironclad” support for Israel — drew widespread boos throughout the arena. Donald Trump drew scattered cheers.

    Chappelle, as other artists during the performance, told some racy jokes and swore. But they largely avoided discussing local politics — though Chappelle did make a sly joke about the UAE’s widespread surveillance network and another deadpanning about “how difficult is it to be gay” in the country as homosexuality is illegal.

    But he also came out on stage with a falcon on his arm — a symbol for the UAE.

    Chappelle, 50, won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2019. He performed at the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week.

    OTHER NEWS

    28 minutes ago

    Ron Washington won't let losses deter belief in Angels: 'Ain't no damn failure'

    29 minutes ago

    General election 2024 live: Tories could win just 72 seats in next Parliament, new Survation poll says

    29 minutes ago

    Slovenia v Denmark LIVE: Euro 2024 team news, line-ups and more today

    29 minutes ago

    Gino D'Acampo 'rakes in £6m in two years' after he 'failed to pay £5m to staff and taxman' when his My Pasta Bar chain went under

    29 minutes ago

    'Britain's FBI' investigating PPE scandal linked to 'Baroness Bra' Michelle Mone interview at least five suspects under caution - as case reaches China

    29 minutes ago

    The Entire Young Sheldon Timeline Explained

    32 minutes ago

    John Sterling’s kids reveal what it’s like to have the legendary Yankees announcer as a dad: ‘Unlike any other human’

    33 minutes ago

    Londis shop orders staff to pour famous cider down drain over 'stolen' name

    33 minutes ago

    Hamas response to Gaza ceasefire proposal 'consistent' with principles of US plan, leader says

    33 minutes ago

    Top model Josh: ‘Celebs love me because I’m a Kiwi’

    34 minutes ago

    Greene homers twice and has a career-best 6 RBIs as Tigers rout Astros 13-5

    34 minutes ago

    Boozy England fans drink in the Euro 2024 atmosphere ahead of first game vs Serbia

    37 minutes ago

    Playwright James Graham: ‘We’re still living in Thatcher’s country’

    37 minutes ago

    Kate Middleton - latest: Prince William shares sweet message day after Princess returns to public duties

    38 minutes ago

    Poland vs Netherlands LIVE: Euro 2024 team news and line-ups ahead of Group D clash as Robert Lewandowski out

    38 minutes ago

    China is getting too much rain in the south and not enough rain, plus a heat wave, in the north

    39 minutes ago

    As the Raspberry Pi share price soars, is it set to be a great UK growth success?

    39 minutes ago

    World leaders condemn Putin's 'dictatorial' Ukraine ceasefire proposal

    39 minutes ago

    Richie Sambora on Bon Jovi docuseries: 'That's one person's perspective'

    39 minutes ago

    With a forward P/E of 3.28x, could this FTSE 250 stock make me rich?

    39 minutes ago

    NASCAR radio station: Channel, live streams to listen to 2024 Iowa race broadcast

    39 minutes ago

    Matt Shirvington reveals what he REALLY thinks of 'fast-paced' Sunrise

    39 minutes ago

    LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! Why it's criminal to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the England team

    39 minutes ago

    Axed Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson claims BBC bosses threatened to drop him from the World Cup final over a 'handbag' joke

    39 minutes ago

    Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz 'set for historic double transfer to Juventus' this summer... as Italian club continues negotiations for the Aston Villa power couple

    39 minutes ago

    Married At First Sight's Jules Robinson throws wild baby shower complete with nappy-sniffing challenge and VERY racy games

    39 minutes ago

    Video: Lady Elliot Island boat capsize: Desperate search for missing man after boat overturned ends in tragedy off Queensland coast near Bundaberg after Life Flight winched a father and son to safety

    39 minutes ago

    Lady Elliot Island boat capsize: Desperate search for missing man after boat overturned ends in tragedy off Queensland coast near Bundaberg after Life Flight winched a father and son to safety

    39 minutes ago

    Man City are 'prepared to take Joao Cancelo on pre-season tour' after 17-month absence... as Premier League champions demand Barcelona meet £25m asking price

    39 minutes ago

    Video: FA 'warn England fans will have their Euro 2024 tickets confiscated if they misbehave in Germany'... as footage emerges of supporters singing '10 German bombers' in the streets ahead of clash with Serbia

    39 minutes ago

    Brave Kate releases Father's Day photo of William and the children - after Princess of Wales attended Trooping the Colour amid her cancer battle in boost to the nation

    42 minutes ago

    Why Hollow Knight: Silksong Referencing the Original Now Could Be a Boon

    42 minutes ago

    Texas continues to use controversial recruiting method despite outcry

    42 minutes ago

    Heatwave in Middle East makes power shortages hot topic during Eid Al Adha

    42 minutes ago

    Dragon Age: The Veilguard Dwarf Companion Has Magical Powers

    43 minutes ago

    Ex-presidential candidate Anies gets boost for Jakarta polls from Indonesia’s largest party

    43 minutes ago

    South-East Asia’s carbon storage dreams: Visionary climate solution or folly?

    43 minutes ago

    With future sorted, France’s Mbappe will be ‘unstoppable’ at Euro 2024, says Djibril Cisse

    45 minutes ago

    Does Donald Trump have a shot in appealing his hush money conviction?

    45 minutes ago

    Video: Brave Kate is a beacon of light in new behind-the-scenes Trooping the Colour video - as Waleses reveal they are 'in awe' at 'incredible' ceremony that included Princess' Buckingham Palace balcony appearance