First Avenue cancels Chappelle show after backlash, issues apology
Iconic music venue First Avenue has canceled comedian Dave Chappelle’s scheduled show Wednesday just hours before it was set to start.
After announcing the show Monday, the venue received some backlash due to some of Chappelle’s past comments, including regarding transgender people.
In a post shortly after 4 p.m., less than three hours before the show was scheduled to begin, First Avenue apologized, announced the show’s cancellation and said it’s moving to Varsity Theater.
“To staff, artists, and our community, we hear you and we are sorry. We know we must hold ourselves to the highest standards, and we know we let you down,” the post said in part.
The venue also acknowledged that not everyone would agree with its decision to cancel the show and encouraged feedback.
“We believe in diverse voices and the freedom of artistic expression, but in honoring that, we lost sight of the impact this would have,” the post added.
Ticketholders were told to expect an email from Varsity Theater regarding the show.
Varsity Theater had already scheduled four Chappelle shows on Thursday and Friday, two of which were added due to popular demand.
Dozens of protestors demonstrated outside the Varsity Theater on Wednesday to speak out against Dave Chappelle performing there after First Avenue changed its initial decision to host the show.
The comedian has been the subject of controversy after previous jokes and comments he made about the transgender community.