American comedian Dave Chappelle made headlines during his performance in Abu Dhabi by calling the Israeli war on Hamas in Gaza a “genocide” and urging Americans to fight antisemitism. Chappelle’s comments come as Abu Dhabi continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel while criticizing its conduct in the ongoing war.
Despite pro-Palestinian marches across the Middle East, protests and speech remain restricted in the Emirates. Chappelle, accompanied by DJ Trauma, received cheers from the crowd when the song “My Blood is Palestinian” played.
During his set, Chappelle addressed the war as a genocide and emphasized the importance of making Jews feel safe in America to reduce reliance on Israel for protection. The diverse audience in Abu Dhabi responded positively to Chappelle’s jokes, although mentions of President Joe Biden’s support for Israel drew boos.
Chappelle, known for his humor and controversial topics, managed to entertain the crowd while subtly touching on local politics. He even made light of the UAE’s surveillance network and laws against homosexuality.
The performance at Abu Dhabi Comedy Week showcased Chappelle’s talent and willingness to address sensitive issues, solidifying his reputation as a thought-provoking comedian.
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