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'Best SNL monologue ever': Internet reacts as Dave Chappelle takes aim at Kanye West and Kyrie Irving

Chappelle addressed several hot topics in his latest monologue, focusing on the recent antisemitism controversy surrounding Kanye and Kyrie Irving

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Dave Chappelle’s opening monologue on 'Saturday Night Live', November 12, at NBC’s Studio 8H left people in splits. Addressing several controversial topics, Chappelle focused on Kanye West’s recent antisemitic comments and also discussed Kyrie Irving. 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." He 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.”

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Chappelle concluded the monologue by admitting to the audience that he no longer enjoyed performing in front of a huge mass, saying, “It shouldn’t be this scary to talk about anything, it makes my job incredibly difficult. I hope they don’t take anything away from me. Whoever they are.”

Following the show, many heaped praise on the comedian. One said, "The best show you’ve had in years." While another wrote, "Best SNL monologue ever. Just genius, hilarious with depth and heartfelt and genius. Wow." Someone else said, "Dave Chappelle gave a monologue that gave everyone something to laugh at and everyone something to be a little offended at. That is what comedy really is and it's great that he had the platform to do it a few days after the election again."

On the other hand, some were not impressed, with one asking, "Is Dave Chappelle defending Kyrie Irving and Kanye West? Gross #SNL," while other said, "Dave Chappelle downplaying Kyrie Irving and Kanye West’s antisemitism on SNL for laughs is a choice."

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.