It looks like things have backfired tremendously for Dave Chappelle in the last 24 hours. Due to the claims of transphobia, the entire staff at the First Avenue club in downtown Minneapolis walked out and refused to show up – even though the show was completely sold out!
Chappelle managed to do another show at The Varsity, which is another, smaller club with less seats and even managed to sell out it’s audience as well (but for higher ticket prices), but according to a post on Twitter it was very clear the reasons why this show had to be cancelled, the staff simply were not having it. First Avenue has since released a statement on Twitter saying:
Staff At First Avenue Refuses To Work Sold Out Dave Chappelle Show
“The Dave Chappelle Show tonight has been cancelled and is moving to the 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. We are not just a black box with people in it, and we understand that First Avenue is not just a room, but meaningful beyond our walls.
The First Avenue team and you have worked hard to make our venues the safest spaces in the country, and we will continue with that mission.
We believe in diverse voices and the freedom of artistic expression, but in honoring that, we lost sight of the impact that this would have. We know that there are some who will not agree with this decision; you are welcome to send feedback. If you are a ticket holder, look for an email on your ticket(s) transferring to the show at Varsity Theater.”
Looks like, at least from the staff at First Avenue’s POV, no one is here for Dave Chapelle’s brand of humor. It really makes a statement that this kind of walkout happened in the middle of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Perhaps Chapelle would have more luck in red states only? That would be an interesting comedy tour. Stay tuned!!!
