Kevin Hart Defends Dave Chappelle And Says Cancel Culture Has Gone Too Far
Comedian Kevin Hart came to Dave Chappelle’s defense this week, denouncing “cancel culture,” while also acknowledging that he had adjusted his approach to humor to be more considerate to others.
Hart made the comments when being interviewed by the New York Times.
“That man don’t have a hateful bone in his body. And I don’t say that because it’s hypothetical — I say that because I know him,” said Hart of Chappelle, who has faced scrutiny over transphobic comments.
“I know his world,” Hart added. “I know that he embraces the LGBT+ community because he has friends who are close to him from that community. I know that his kids understand equality, fair treatment, love. I know that his wife embeds that in their kids. I know why people embrace him. He’s a good dude.”
In 2018, Hart was also subjected to the wrath of cancel culture when uncovered tweets ended his chances of hosting the Oscar Awards ceremony. He apologized for his jokes and Chapelle had defended him, using his story to critique cancel culture.
After seeing this @benfraserlee tweet, I did a search for every time Kevin Hart tweeted "fag," "homo," or "gay." It was…a lot. And he seems to have basically stopped tweeting those words after 2011 — i.e. the year his first stand-up movie became a hit. https://t.co/P8nTOilFgx pic.twitter.com/6uzPhnvt4F
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) December 5, 2018
Hart went on to say in the Times interview that cancels culture had gotten out of hand in American society.
“If there is a joke, there’s an attempt to be funny. You can find a joke tasteful or distasteful. If you’re a supporter of a performer, then you’re probably OK with whatever’s happening. And if you’re not a fan, you’re infuriated and you’re outraged. Rightfully so — you have every right to be,” he explained.
“You also have a right to not support it,” Hart added. “But the energy that’s put into wanting to change or end someone, it’s getting out of hand.”
The most recent demonstration against Chappelle was organized by students at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where the comic attended high school. Students are opposing the school’s intentions to name a theater after comedian Dave Chappelle, even though he has contributed and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for his former alma mater.
Chappelle’s response to the situation has been to challenge his detractors to raise more money for the school than his fans have. He said that if they are successful, he will not allow his name to be shown in the theater.
Kevin Hart also publicized his new series on Netflix, titled “True Story”, which stars himself and Wesley Snipes.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for any updates.
