Dave Chappelle did not hold back with his mocking of Kanye West in his Saturday Night Live monologue.
The comedian returned to SNL as host for the third time, opening with a stand-up 15-minute monologue inside Rockefeller Centre’s Studio 8H.
Known for being divisive, the comic made reference to West, who made headlines recently for anti-Semitic remarks.
‘Before I start, I just want to read a brief statement that I prepared,’ Chappelle began, taking a piece of paper out of his pocket.
‘I denounce anti-Semitism in all its forms and I stand with my friends in the Jewish community — and that, Kanye, is how you buy yourself some time,’ he said.
‘I’ve been doing this 35 years and, early in my career, I learned that the two words in the English language you should never say together are “The” and “Jews”. No one does good after they say that.’
After mocking West’s remarks, for which he has since apologised, known controversial comedian Chappelle proceeded to tread a fine line himself.
‘I’ve been to Hollywood and this is what I saw: It’s a lot of Jews. It’s a lot. But that doesn’t mean anything. There’s a lot of Black people in Ferguson, Missouri, but that doesn’t mean we run the place,’ he said.
‘If they’re Black it’s a gang. If they’re Italian it’s a mob. But if they’re Jewish it’s a coincidence and you should never speak about it,’ Chappelle added in how own risqué remarks about the Jewish community.
The actor didn’t stop at the Gold Digger musician, as he also spoke on NBA star Kyrie Irving’s recent anti-Semitism controversy.
Irving was suspended without pay for at least five games after failing to apologise for boosting an anti-Semitic movie on Twitter.
‘I know the Jewish people have been through terrible things all over the world, but you can’t blame that on Black Americans,’ Chappelle added.
Elsewhere in his monologue, Chappelle name-checked former US President Donald Trump, explaining why he the politician is popular amongst voters.
He described Trump as an ‘honest liar,’ amid reports that he will run again in the 2024 election.
Chappelle stated: ‘He was loved because people in Ohio have never seen anyone like him
‘He’s an honest liar. He said, “I know the system is rigged because I use it”.’
Chappelle has become known for his own contentious stand-up routines, with critics branding his material transphobic.
