Comedian Dave Chappelle has tested positive for COVID-19 and we have a few hunches where he may have got it based on his recent activity.
As reported by TMZ, Chappelle has contracted the virus but is asymptomatic. A rep for the comedian explained in more detail in a statement: “Dave Chappelle is quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19. His remaining shows at Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, TX have been cancelled and ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for refunds.
Chappelle has safely conducted socially-distanced shows in Ohio since June 2020 and he moved those shows to Austin during the winter. Chappelle implemented COVID-19 protocols which included rapid testing for the audience and daily testing for himself and his team.
His diligent testing enabled him to immediately respond by quarantining, thus mitigating the spread of the virus. Chappelle is asymptomatic.”
The Austin gigs being cancelled is a sore one for both fans and the producers of the shows, Live Nation: a table at the event for six-people cost a massive $1,600 (plus tax and unspecified fees). You’d be better off just watching Chappelle’s Show repeats online and save your cash.
Chappelle actually managed to perform the first night of the five shows on Wednesday but the remaining nights will now be postponed indefinitely.
Interestingly, Joe Rogan was set to team up with Chappelle for two nights. And in a cruel ironic twist, it comes just days after Chappelle was pictured with the podcast host apparently flouting COVID-19 protocols. He was pictured hanging out backstage with Rogan, Elon Musk and Grimes, all without masks (now there’s a band line-up we’d love to see).
Grimes, of course, unbelievably claimed that she was happy to have contracted the virus recently. ‘Finally got COVID but weirdly enjoying the DayQuil fever dream 2021,’ Grimes captioned her post, adding a plant and fairy emoji. Whatever you say Grimes.
During his recent stint hosting SNL, Chappelle discussed the coronavirus pandemic in his opening monologue. He questioned why “poor white people” weren’t wearing their masks, dryly observing, “You have no problem wearing them at the Klan rally, wear them to Walmart too.”
He went on to mock Donald Trump for contracting COVID-19, revealing he wasn’t shocked that it happened at all (was anyone really?): “nobody was like, ‘Well how did he get it?’ This guy was running around like the outbreak monkey; he looked like a 1970s penis just raw-dogging Earth.”
