Marlon Wayans Defends Dave Chappelle's 2021 Trans Jokes, Despite Having a Transgender Child
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 27
Marlon Wayans Defends Dave Chappelle's 2021 Trans Jokes, Despite Having a Transgender Child
10 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 27
Marlon Wayans told Variety he still backs Dave Chappelle's transgender jokes, saying he would not stay close to the comedian if he believed Chappelle was driven by hate.
Wayans said Chappelle is defending comedians' freedom to joke rather than trying to "punch down," and framed the backlash as a fight over censorship that he can navigate as both a friend and a parent.
The actor, who has a transgender child, said he respects both his child's journey and Chappelle's, and sees himself as able to explain each side to the other.
Wayans also said he wrote two cameo scenes for Chappelle in the upcoming "Scary Movie 6," though Chappelle declined for now.
Chappelle has faced repeated criticism over transgender material since Netflix's 2021 special "The Closer," with protests and a walkout, and he returned to the topic in his 2023 special "The Dreamer."
Can a father truly protect his trans son while publicly defending his friend's controversial humor?
When a joke's impact causes widespread harm, can a comedian's intent ever be a valid defense?
Will 'Scary Movie 6', releasing next month, successfully mock 'cancel culture' or just fuel the fire?