logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Dave Chappelle Slamming Michael Jackson Accusers on Netflix Special Sparks Mixed Reactions

Mary Scott
Aug 28, 2019
12:25 P.M.

Dave Chappelle is stirring up mixed reactions with a new Netflix special where he lashed out at the men accusing Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children.

Advertisement

Earlier this year, Wade Robson and James Safechuck both alleged in the HBO docu-series “Leaving Neverland” that the late King of Pop had a sexual relationship with them in their childhood.

Dave Chappelle at the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California | Photo: Getty Images

Dave Chappelle at the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California | Photo: Getty Images

The film sparked controversy and split viewers into two sides – those who believed Robson and Safechuck's claims and those who were certain Jackson, who died in 2009, is innocent.

Chappelle, 46, no doubt belongs to the latter group. In his Netflix stand-up special “Sticks & Stones,” the comedian takes on the prevalent celebrity cancel culture, using Jackson’s case to drive home provocative jokes.

Advertisement

CHAPPELLE'S TAKE ON "LEAVING NEVERLAND"

Chappelle reportedly described in graphic detail the allegations leveled against Jackson by Safechuck and Robson before declaring in some choice words that he doesn’t believe the accusers.

Agreeing that making such statements made him a “victim blamer,” Chappelle added that if anyone told him “Jackson was molesting children,” he would ask, "Well, what were those kids wearing at the time?"

Michael Jackson performing at The Apollo Theater in New York City on April 24, 2002 | Photo: Getty Images

Michael Jackson performing at The Apollo Theater in New York City on April 24, 2002 | Photo: Getty Images

He continued in Jackson’s defense:

“I don’t think he did it, but you know what? Even if he did do it. …I mean, it’s Michael Jackson. I know more than half the people in this room have been molested in their lives, but it wasn’t no [expletive] Michael Jackson, was it?”

Advertisement

“I know it seems harsh, but somebody’s gotta teach these kids,” Chappelle added. “No such thing as a free trip to Hawaii.”

Dave Chappelle at the "A Star Is Born" premiere after party on Sept. 9, 2018 in Toronto, Canada | Photo: Getty Images

Dave Chappelle at the "A Star Is Born" premiere after party on Sept. 9, 2018 in Toronto, Canada | Photo: Getty Images

THE BACKLASH

Chappelle’s comments have both been criticized and applauded. Reacting to the comedy special, Robson told TMZ the controversial comic "can say whatever he wants. It reveals him, not us."

“I just want to reach out to other survivors and let them know that we can't let this type of behavior silence us. Together we are strong," Safechuck added.

Advertisement

A Twitter user also pointed out that Chappelle was only in denial:

“Multiple people don’t imagine sexual molestation by the same guy in the same manner. This attitude is why R. Kelly got away with it for so long. Chappelle doesn’t want to have to take ownership of the reality that a pedophile made music he likes.”

Advertisement

THE PRAISE

On the other hand, several Michael Jackson supporters, including the late singer’s estate, are praising Chappelle for saying it as it is and not mincing words.

“Thank you @DaveChappelle for defending #MichaelJackson,” one Jackson fan tweeted. “Not behind the curtains like some cowards are doing but to the media! We'll never forget it!”

Advertisement

Another echoed:

“Of course Michael Jackson never abused the two [expletive] liars. I’ve known Dave Chapelle for almost 20 years and he’s a man of great integrity, respect, honesty and purity. Haters are going to hate.”

JACKSON'S ESTATE SPEAKS

In a statement obtained by TMZ, co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate John Branca confirmed that they “agree with Dave Chappelle” and reiterated that Robson and Safechuck are “liars.”

Advertisement

“The whole documentary is bogus,” Branca said of “Leaving Neverland.” “Robson and Safechuck are liars, and they know the truth, which is why Dave’s comedy touched a nerve.”

Michael Jackson at the taping of "American Bandstand's 50th...A Celebration" in California on April 20, 2002 | Photo: Getty Images

Michael Jackson at the taping of "American Bandstand's 50th...A Celebration" in California on April 20, 2002 | Photo: Getty Images

Meanwhile, according to The Guardian, “Sticks & Stones” is Chappelle’s third Netflix special. His first two were also widely criticized for their apparent homophobic and transphobic content.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
info

news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. news.AmoMama.com speaks out against the above mentioned and news.AmoMama.com advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. that benefits the victims. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible.

Related posts

Michael Jackson's Son, Known for Balcony Incident, Seen All Grown-up with Long Hair, Beard & Mustache

November 23, 2023

Laura Bargatze Is Nate Bargatze’s Wife of Almost 2 Decades – Facts about Her

January 16, 2024

Why Michael Jackson Wore a White Glove on His Right Hand – Pics Where We Saw His Bare Arm

February 23, 2024

2023's Sexiest Bald Man Revealed by Study, Sparking Public Discussion

November 27, 2023

Janet Jackson, 57, Steals the Spotlight in a Sophisticated Formal Suit Looking 'Just Breathtaking'

February 16, 2024

Janet Jackson Welcomed 'Adorable' Son at 50 & Mocked for Being 'Too Old' – Pics of Boy Who Is 6

December 08, 2023

This Guy ‘Looks Nothing Like’ His Hollywood Twin Brother Who Wanted to Give Him His Heart When He Had Weeks to Live

November 11, 2023

Shana Render, Killer Mike's Wife, Is a Self-Named Entrepreneur & Real Estate Investor

November 12, 2023

Tom Cruise Built a Ranch Nestled in the Forest & Escaped There to Raise Baby with Katie Holmes — Pics Inside

November 11, 2023

Janet Jackson Separated from Husband 3 Months after Childbirth – Her Priority Now

February 15, 2024

Janet Jackson Separated from Husband 3 Months after Childbirth – Her Priority Now

February 14, 2024

Michael Jackson’s Surrogate Son Blanket, 21, Looks ‘Handsome’ & ‘Exactly’ Like Dad, Fans Claim

November 20, 2023

Michael Strahan Officially Returns to ‘GMA’ Bringing ‘Tears of Joy’ to Co-hosts after Weeks of Absence

November 15, 2023

I Locked Myself in the Bathroom Humiliated and Crying after Seeing the Christmas Gift My Fiancé Got Me

December 09, 2023