Dave Chappelle Makes A Deal With Those Against His Alma Matter Naming A Theater After Him

Dave Chappelle made a deal on instagram with those against his high school alma matter naming a theater after him following the backlash over his Netflix special “The Closer.”

“The Duke Ellington School is a glorious institution,” the legendary comedian explained in a post on Instagram Friday about the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D. C.

Chappelle said it was at the school’s theater that he found “a context to explore” his creativity and that it prepared him “to undertake this noble and difficult profession.”

“It was a fine institution before any of  its current occupants got there,” the 48-year-old comedian wrote. “God willing, it will be a fine institution long after their tenure is done. My only intent is to insure Duke Ellington the opportunity to train its artists, unfettered.”

“Having the theater named after me is a great honor,” he added. “Although, that was not my idea, aim or desire. At the request of our beloved school’s founder, Peggy Cooper Cafritz, I accepted. In April, I intend to honor that request.”

“If you object to my receiving that honor, I urge to donate to the school, noting your objection,” Chappelle continued. “If you are in favor of the theater being named, ‘Chappelle,’ I urge you to donate to the school, noting your approval.”

The “Chappelle’s Show” star said whichever opinion receives the highest amount of money will win. He explained that, if by April, “those against the ‘Chappelle’ theater exceed the donations of those who are neutral or in favor of the theater being named ‘Chappelle,'” he will step aside.... (Read more)

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