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'Why does our trauma trigger applause?': Dave Chappelle slammed by Anti-Defamation League CEO over 'SNL' monologue

'Why are Jewish sensitivities denied or diminished at almost every turn? Why does our trauma trigger applause?' tweeted Jonathan Greenblatt

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, criticized Dave Chappelle's 'Saturday Night Live' monologue on Sunday for "not just normaliz[ing] but populariz[ing] antisemitism." Greenblatt tweeted on Sunday, November 13, "We shouldn't expect @DaveChappelle to serve as society's moral compass, but disturbing to see @nbcsnl not just normalize but popularize #antisemitism. Why are Jewish sensitivities denied or diminished at almost every turn? Why does our trauma trigger applause?"

Chappelle opened his monologue with a prepared statement he had in his pocket before talking about the debate over antisemitic remarks made by Ye, the artist known as Kanye West. As per the Yahoo report, Chappelle hosted NBC's 'SNL' twice after significant elections, once in 2016 and again in 2020.

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The 49-year-old comedian began by reading a statement he said he prepared. He said, "I denounce antisemitism in all its forms. And I stand with my friends in the Jewish community. And that, Kanye, is how you buy yourself some time." Chappelle said, as quoted by CNN, that he could see how West would “adopt the delusion that the Jews run show business,” saying, "It’s not a crazy thing to think – but it’s a crazy thing to say out loud in a climate like this." 

Despite saying that he is "not freaked out" by Jewish culture because he has Jewish friends, Chappelle tried to make jokes about how bizarre he found various aspects of Jewish culture. He made up a fake festival named "Shanana" and asked, "Why do some of your people dress like Run-D.M.C.?" He then responded, "Yes, that is b—-," to criticism of Ye that claimed mental illness wasn't a defense for using derogatory words. "There are two words you should never say together in sequence," Chappelle said, having learned this lesson over his career, "And those words are ‘the’ and ‘Jews,'" The Wrap reported.

Chappelle then came to the controversy around Irving, who was recently suspended from the Brooklyn Nets for at least five games after he shared a link to 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America', a documentary that contains antisemitic sentiments, as MEAWW previously reported. Chappelle said of the NBA star, "The demands to get back in their good graces got longer and longer, and this is where I draw the line: I know the Jewish people have been through terrible things all over the world, but you can’t blame that on black Americans. You just can’t."

Greenblatt's tweet received huge responses to his tweet and many agreed with Greenblatt's opinion on trauma triggering applause. One user tweeted, "Exactly right Jonathan. It was chilling to watch. No trauma should be laughed at- or made fun of- none." Another wrote, "Comedy should always punch up. Never down." One user said, "I get it. I feel the same way about black sensitivities being denied and diminished. The trauma is real for a lot of folks out here."

On the other hand, some hit back at the CEO and supported Chappelle. A user wrote, "What was "antiSemitic" about what Chappelle said? Chill Mr Greenblatt." Another user wrote, "“You all” (like “you people) isn’t appropriate or fair. We’re no more a monolith than any other group. I thought Dave Chapelle’s monologue was excellent. Of Course he crossed the line a few times. That’s what he does. Many other Jewish people posting here agree." Another user penned, "At this point, even sneezing in the direction of Crown Heights would be considered antisemitic. Give it a rest Jonathan. You are insufferable with the wolf cries." One user wrote, "What are you talking about ? @DaveChappelle
@nbcsnl didn’t say / do anything wrong. Boy you are a misguided bully."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.