Here’s why Dave Chappelle’s ‘The Closer’ is creating controversy

American stand up comedian Dave Chappelle is facing backlash for controversial remarks made in his newest comedy special ‘The Closer’, which premiered on Netflix on Tuesday.

The 48-year-old comedian continued to make jokes directed at the LGBTQ+ community — specifically the trans community — with references to his past dust-ups for similar humor in his previous standup acts, reports people.com.

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“Gender is a fact. Every human being in this room, every human being on earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on earth. That is a fact,” Chappelle said in The Closer.

“Now, I am not saying that to say trans women aren’t women, I am just saying that those p—ies that they got… you know what I mean? I’m not saying it’s not p—y, but it’s Beyond P—y or Impossible P—y. It tastes like p—y, but that’s not quite what it is, is it? That’s not blood,” he said.

“That’s beet juice.” 

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His jokes sparked swift online criticism.

“As a trans woman, I have usually defended Dave Chappelle’s specials because I think they’re hilarious and his jokes about trans women never felt intentionally malicious.

“The Closer changed my mind on that. That special felt so lazy and disingenuous and I’m really disappointed,”  wrote actress and director Taylor Ashbrook on her Twitter handle.

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Even writer Kathryn VanArendonk posted that “the first thing I did today was watch the new chappelle special and I have not been able to shake my annoyance ever since.”

Another quote from Chappelle’s set drew criticism for seemingly drawing a stark line between the Black and queer communities.

“Any of you who have ever watched me know that I have never had a problem with transgender people. If you listen to what I’m saying, clearly, my problem has always been with white people,” said the comedian.

Netflix as well as representatives for Chappelle did not respond to comment.