Dave Chappelle Cancels Shows After Testing Positive for COVID-19

Dave Chappelle tested positive for the coronavirus just before his comedy show scheduled for Thursday, forcing his upcoming appearances to be canceled, a spokeswoman said.

“Dave Chappelle is quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19. His remaining shows at Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, TX have been cancelled and ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for refunds,” a rep for the comedian said in a statement.

“Chappelle has safely conducted socially-distanced shows in Ohio since June 2020 and he moved those shows to Austin during the winter. Chappelle implemented COVID-19 protocols which included rapid testing for the audience and daily testing for himself and his team. His diligent testing enabled him to immediately respond by quarantining, thus mitigating the spread of the virus. Chappelle is asymptomatic.”

Dave Chappelle, who was in Austin for a multi-night residency, has tested positive for coronavirus. Earlier this week, he was photographed hanging backstage with Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and Grimes. https://t.co/3hMDWIzyAO pic.twitter.com/HV1QtpcJTh

— Consequence (@consequence) January 22, 2021

The Associated Press reports: Chappelle was expected to perform Thursday through Sunday at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, Texas. Those shows have been canceled and Chappelle is quarantining, his representative Carla Sims said in a statement. The comedian is asymptomatic.

Chappelle had been performing socially-distanced shows in Ohio since June, and moved his shows to Austin during the winter, Sims said. Rapid testing for the audience and daily tests for Chappelle and his team were implemented.

Comedian Joe Rogan was scheduled to perform at the shows Friday and Saturday. Refunds will be available for ticket holders at their point of purchase.

Chappelle famously hosted SNL following the Presidential elections where he poked fun at how hilarious it was that then President Trump caught COVID after first denying its existence and later downplaying its dangers calling it “the Kung Flu” in a widely derided racist commentary.

Watch his opening monologue below.