Dave Chappelle jokes about Michael Jackson’s accusers in controversial Netflix special: ‘I don’t believe these motherf***ers’
Comedian wondered ‘how good it must have felt to go to school the next day’ after being molested by the ‘King of Pop’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dave Chappelle has sparked controversy after claiming he doesn’t believe the men who accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse in documentary Leaving Neverland.
The comedian criticised Jimmy Safechuck and Wade Robson in a new Netflix special titled Sticks & Stones, telling the audience: “I don’t believe these motherf***ers.”
Around the eight-minute mark of the special, Chappelle suggests that getting abused by Jackson wouldn’t be as bad as getting abused by someone who isn’t as famous as the singer.
“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 goddamn Michael Jackson, was it? This kid got his d*** sucked by the King of Pop. All we get is awkward Thanksgivings for the rest of our lives. You know how good it must have felt to go to school the next day after that s****?”
He continued: “I know it seems harsh, but somebody’s gotta teach these kids. No such thing as a free trip to Hawaii. He’s going to want to look at your butthole or something.”
Chappelle also referenced Macauley Culkin's friendship with the singer, saying: “I’m not a paedophile, but if I was, Macaulay Culkin’s the first kid I’m f***ing. I’ll tell you that right now.”
Meanwhile, Chappelle said he’s “pretty sure” the allegations against disgraced rapper R Kelly are true, but threw his support onto fellow comedian Louis CK, who found himself under the spotlight after allegations of sexual misconduct were levelled against him in 2017.
“This is the worst time ever to be a celebrity,“ he said, adding: ”Louis CK was a very good friend of mine before he died in that terrible masturbation accident.“