Dave Chappelle Calls Louis C.K. Accusers ‘Weak’ And ‘Brittle’ In New Special
CREDIT: MATHIEU BITTON/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
In his latest Netflix comedy special, Dave Chappelle addressed the recent sexual harassment allegations against fellow comedian Louis C.K., while also criticizing C.K.’s accusers.
“One lady said, ‘Louis C.K. masturbated in front of me, ruined my comedy dreams,’” Chappelle said. “Word? Well, then I dare say, madam, you may have never had a dream. Come on man, that’s a brittle spirit.”
In the second part of the comedian’s duo Netflix special “Dave Chappelle: Equanimity & The Bird Revelation,”Chappelle called the five women who accused C.K. of harassment “weak,” singling out one accuser’s story who alleged that the comic masturbated while on the phone with her.
“Bitch, you don’t know how to hang up the phone? How the hell are you going to survive in show business if this is an actual obstacle to your dreams? I know Louis is wrong, I’m just saying, I’m held to a higher standard of accountability than these women are,” Chappelle said.
Chappelle then pondered what would have happened if C.K. masturbated in front of civil rights legend Dr. Martin Luther King, doubtful that such an act would detour the leader from his “dream.” “Show business is just harder than that,” he added.
Throughout his almost 10-minute set on C.K., Chappelle said that “Louis was like a turning point” because the allegations against him, among the wave of Hollywood harassment allegations, were the only ones that made him laugh.
“When you think about it, he’s jerking off — he’s surprising people. … I picture all the comics in comedy reading it like, ‘Word!’ It’s terrible, I’m sorry ladies, you’re right,” he said in the special, which was recorded in late November. “At the same time, Jesus Christ, they took everything from Louis. It might be disproportionate, I can’t tell. This is where it’s hard to be [a] man.”
Since the allegations, which C.K. both acknowledged and apologized for, C.K. has been dropped from his deals with FX, HBO and Netflix, and his film “I Love You, Daddy” was canned right before it was set to be released.
Chappelle took on additional Hollywood men accused of harassment during the special, including Harvey Weinstein, who he said was “probably the first person that I’ve ever looked at a photograph of and said, ‘Yeah, he rapes.’”
“Dave Chappelle: Equanimity & The Bird Revelation” is now streaming on Netflix.
Source: Variety
On This Day In Comedy… In 1968 Comedian, Actor, Writer, And Producer Chris Spencer Was Born!
On this day in comedy on January 2, 1968, Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, Chris Spencer was born in Los Angeles, California.
Spencer got his start in comedy during the Black Comedy Boom of the early 1990s and developed his act at the Comedy Act Theater and other L. A. and Hollywood clubs. It was his omnipresence on stages which led to his initial film credits. He was prominently featured in Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in The Hood from the Wayans clan. Spencer played a militant with an insatiable love for white women. His other movie appearances include All About You, The Sixth Man, Two Can Play That Game and Postal.
Chris Spencer got his public notoriety from his stint as the host of Quincy Jones’ late night talk show, Vibe. The program was a spin-off from the successful magazine. The show, unfortunately, did not follow suit. Vibe was launched after Arsenio Hall had broken down the barrier for a black talk show host and he was now off the air. The landscape was ripe for a successor and several personalities threw their reputations as well as their hats in the ring: Magic Johnson, Keenen Ivory Wayans and Jones with Vibe. None of those other program hosts lasted long, but Vibe was interesting because Spencer never wanted to do it and when he did the producers never fully had confidence in their handpicked star. Like the time Bill Clinton did a segment on Vibe, it was producer, Quincy Jones who interviewed Slick Willy not host, Chris Spencer. It wasn’t long before Spencer was replaced by Sinbad and an even shorter time span for Vibe wascanceled.
The multi-talented Spencer moved on to other projects. He was instrumental in the creation of Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out (where he was also a writer). He co-created Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart. His televised credits in front of the camera include Being Mary Jane, The Jamie Foxx Show, Half & Half, Soul Food and Cuts. Chris Spencer produced Get Up Stand Up Comedy in 2001 and Baggin’ in 2005. He has had podcasts (Minivan Men with Al Madrigal and Maz Jobrani), garnered award wins and traveled the world doing stand-up as well as on television (Def Comedy Jam, The Chris Rock Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!). On October 15, 2017 his co-creation with Buddy Lewis and Tom Kapinos, White Famous starring Jay Pharoah premiered on Showtime.
On This Day In Comedy… In 1992 ‘Russell Simmon’s Def Comedy Jam’ Premiered On HBO
On this day in comedy on January 1, 1992, “Def Comedy Jam” premiered on HBO
Produced by rap mogul, Russell Simmons, the series had its original run from July 1, 1992 until January 1, 1997. Based on the formula established at the Comedy Act Theater in Los Angeles, California, the show was originally set to have that club’s MC, Robin Harris as host, but after his untimely death Martin Lawrence was tapped for that role. The show went on to defy all odds. Despite its raw, in-your-face barrage of 3 black comedians, it not only became must see TV every Friday night; it also changed the comedy landscape in film and television for years. Relative unknowns before their “Def Comedy Jam” exposure, comedians such as Steve Harvey, Jamie Foxx, Bernie Mac, Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, Sommore, Adele Givens, and others dominated the mediums.
The show was criticized for excessive foul language and negative representations of African Americans by letter writers and celebrities like Bill Cosby; at the time known as “America’s Dad”. However, the public embraced it and it returned on HBO’s fall lineup in 2006. It produced a spinoff called Loco Slam and has been spoofed on In Living Color, Robert Townsend’s Townsend Television and Saturday Night Live.
On This Day In Comedy… In 1962 Comedian Henry Cho Was Born!
On this day in comedy on December 30, 1962, Comedian, Henry Cho was born in Knoxville, Tennessee
Cho is the ultimate comedy oxymoron. He’s a Korean raised in the South with a Southern accent to prove it. He’s an Asian who claims to be a Christian. He found success in L.A., but was always determined to return to Tennessee (that show biz mecca). Dubbed “Mr. Clean” for his squeaking, sanitized comedy style, Cho found a world willing to let him pour out his unique life experiences as long as he kept it respectable. He did and the work came flooding in.
Henry Cho’s maiden voyage in stand-up comedy took place in 1986. By 1989 he’d moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue his dreams. It didn’t take long for fantasy to become reality. It seems his timing was impeccable for his type of comedian. Cho hit the scene just as the Urban Comedy Boom commenced. So during the late 80s and early 90s he took advantage of the avalanche of work opportunities all young comics were availed. Cho touched every medium he could.
Henry Cho appeared on the standard issue stand-up shows of the era. He was seen on The Arsenio Hall Show, Bob Hope’s Young Comedians Special, MTV’s 11/2 Hour Comedy Hour as well as VH-1’s Stand-Up Spotlight just to name a few. He guest starred on sitcoms such as WKRP in Cincinnati, Lenny and Designing Women. He’d even ventured into film with his starring role in Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation when Cho up and moved back to Tennessee.
His relocation back to the South was short-lived. He got a call from NBC requesting he host a new version of Friday Night Videos. Under Cho it was called Friday Night. So for two years he commuted. Since that 1994 decision to be bi-regional, Cho has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay leno, The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, was the keynote speaker for the Radio and Television Correspondent’s Dinner; did the feature films, McHale’s Navy (with David Alan Grier and Tom Arnold), Say It Isn’t So (with Heather Graham) and Material Girls (with the Duff sisters, Hilary and Haylie).
Cho’s also a country favorite. He’s toured with country music royalty warblers Amy Grant and Vince Gill. His Comedy Central Special, Henry Cho: What’s That Clickin’ Noise? has an opening scene featuring country comedy superstars, Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall. Cho can also be heard on Sirius XM Radio’s Laugh USA as well as PG Comedy Radio and Blue Collar Radio.
Trailer Released For New Netflix Comedy Film Titled ‘Step Sisters’
The trailer has been released for the upcoming culture-shock comedy film, Step Sisters, debuting January 19 as a Netflix original.
The film, originally planned for a March theatrical release, was in limbo after Broad Green Pictures halted its production division. This impacted over 50 theatrical releases they had pending.
Scripted by Dear White People’s Chuck Hayward and directed by Drumline’s Charles Stone III, the story centers on an ambitious black sorority girl, Jamilah, who is enlisted by her dean to teach the art of black Greek stepping to a white sorority whose charter is about to be revoked. She does this so that she can get admitted to the law school of her dreams.
Jeffrey Soros, Simon Horsman, Ben Cory Jones, Lena Waithe and Matt Alvarez are producers.
Megalyn Echikunwoke stars in the film, and is joined by Dear White People stars Nia Jervier and Marque Richardson, Power’s Naturi Naughton, How to Get Away with Murder’s Matt McGorry, as well as Eden Sher, Lyndon Smith, Gage Golightly and Alessandra Torresani.
Watch the trailer and view the poster below:
Source: Shadow & Act
On This Day In Comedy… In 1966 Comedian, Actor, Writer, And Host Mystro Clark Was Born!
On this day in comedy on December 29, 1966, Comedian, Actor, Writer, Host, Mystro Clark was born in Dayton, OH
Known as the “100% Brother”, Clark cut his comedy teeth at the legendary Comedy Act Theater in Los Angeles in the late 1980s. In this pre-Black Comedy Boom period he was mentored by talents such as Robin Harris and Reynaldo Rey and honed a rapid fire comedic style grounded in precise visual imagery. Those writing skills served him well as a writer for the Bill Bellamy show mixing live action with advanced puppetry, Cousin Skeeter.
Clark was seasoned by constantly being on stage. By staying in performance shape when opportunities arose he was ready. One such career break came when Don Cornelius decided to step down as full-time host of his cultural phenomenon, Soul Train. After trying out numerous guest hosts, the long-running program’s creator decided on Clark. His energetic approach gave the show new life and alerted the 1997 audience that there was a new sheriff in town and they better like him. The audience liked him enough, but unfortunately, internal conflicts with the micromanaging Cornelius lead to a termination of the Clark Era in 1999, but not an end to the Clark juggernaut.
Clark could also act. He starred in the short-lived sitcom, The Newz, as well as The Show, Off Limits and Lovespring International. And when he wasn’t working in television full time he was guest-starring on any number of sitcoms. He also did feature films. Clark was featured in the Carrot Top epic movie, Chairman of the Board. He co-starred with Dolph Lundgren in Storm Chaser and appeared in Shrink with Kevin Spacey and the film Out at the Wedding in 2006. Other credits include hosting syndicated children’s programs and releasing the comedy album, Sexy, Funny Bastard.
On This Day In Comedy… In 1939 Actor John Amos Of ‘Good Times’ Fame Was Born!
On this day in comedy on December 27, 1939, Actor, John A. Amos, Jr. was born in Newark, New Jersey
Described by Kansas City Chief’s football coach, Hank Stram as “”you’re not a football player, you’re a man who is trying to play football” when Amos tried out for the team (he was signed or played on 9 teams in various leagues), he moved on from his athletic pursuits into acting. In 1970 he gained national notoriety as Gordy Howard, the weatherman on the iconic sitcom, The Mary Tyler Moore Show. That gig lasted until 1973. He then landed the role he is most remembered for – James Evans, Sr. on Norman Lear’s Good Times. Evans was a no-nonsense father cut from the old school cloth of hard-working men from that era. Unfortunately, after becoming a hit is was evident to Amos that the show’s executives were more interested in the buffoonery of his eldest TV son, JJ (Jimmie Walker) than trying to present positive images and mine the aspirations of the other two children (Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter) for comedy. He admittedly became a disruption and Lear fired him after season three.
Amos was not unemployed long. During his Good Times tenure, he’d shot the Sidney Poitier directed hit Let’s Do It Again in 1975. One of his co-stars was Jimmie Walker. Amos went on to guest star or be a recurring character in TV shows like, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Cosby Show, In the House, Martin, Men in Trees, All About the Andersons, Two and a Half Men and My Name is Earl. His film roles include The World’s Greatest Athlete, Roots, Coming to America, The Players Club, Die Hard 2, My Baby’s Daddy, Dr. Dolittle 3 and Madea’s Witness Protection.
The versatile Amos wrote, produced and starred in his critically praised one-man play, Halley’s Comet. He’s appeared in music videos, released his own album of original country tunes in 2009 and was a national spokesman for The Cochran Firm (like in Johnny Cochran). John Amos is a multiple NAACP and Emmy nominee and holds the record of more wins than any other artist from the TV Land Awards.
On This Day In Comedy… In 1907 Musician, Bandleader, Singer, And Songwriter Cabell “Cab” Calloway
On this day in comedy on December 25, 1907, Musician, Bandleader, Singer, Songwriter, Cabell “Cab” Calloway III was born in Rochester, New York
In a career that spanned eight decades, the innovative Cab Calloway was a pioneer in comedy recordings. In his era of post-minstrel acceptance, comedy was reflected in music with the lyrics as the set ups and punchlines. Bandleaders like Calloway, Louis Jordan and Fat Waller blended musical virtuosity with humorous themes. These recordings and filmed musical shorts were the precursors to “party records”; those XXX-rated albums sold in brown paper bags from under the record store clerk’s counter. The songs of Calloway were tamer than the verbal assaults of Redd Foxx, Lawanda Page, Rudy Ray Moore and others, but no less vital to the genre. With tunes like “The Skunk Song” (referencing to a man’s offensive odor) Calloway’s orchestra was able to show off their musicianship as well as their sense of humor.
Calloway began formal vocal lessons at age 15. He was good, but despite his parents and teachers guiding him towards a career in law (like his father), Calloway wanted to sing and perform jazz. The family had relocated to Baltimore and there he met influential jazz artists as he hung out in the local spots trying to pick up pointers. Once he graduated high school he joined his sister, Blanche (an accomplished musician and bandleader well before Cab and his inspiration to pursue show business) touring in the black musical revue, Plantation Days. Afterwards he went to Chicago where he gained attention as a drummer, singer and club MC. It was during this time he met Louis Armstrong who taught Calloway how to scat; which became an integral part of his act and persona.
The big thing in the 1930s and ‘40s were big bands and Calloway got him one. He took over a strong, but unsung group, The Missourians and got them a booking substituting for Duke Ellington’s Orchestra at the Cotton Club in Harlem when Ellington toured. Calloway’s new group (now called Cab Calloway & his Orchestra) was so well received that when Ellington returned Calloway’s band stayed on as the co-house group. As his popularity grew, Calloway was regularly featured on live radio broadcasts and was caricatured in cartoons (Betty Boop, Porky Pig).
Calloway reconfigured boundaries. With his hit, Minnie the Moocher, Calloway became known as “The Hi De Ho Man”. He performed flashy dance moves (including a gliding back step called The Buzz then, but later known as The Moonwalk) and sang about the joys of smoking weed (His song, Reefer Man). He did some duets with Al Jolson in the movie The Singing Kid and blew Jolson off the screen. He was a judge for WWE Wrestle Mania 2. He penned the book, Cab Calloway’s The Hepsters Dictionary: Language of Jive, wrote the column “Coastin with Cab” for Song Hits Magazine and had his autobiography, Of Minnie the Moocher and Me published in 1976. Calloway starred in all-black race films, Hollywood mainstream movies, commercials and appeared on Sesame Street. He popularized Zoot Suits and even after his band broke up in the late 40s, Calloway remained active in stage and screen projects; most notably 1980s The Blues Brothers (capturing a new generation and causing career resurgence) until his death on November 18, 1994 five months after suffering a severe stroke.
Cab Calloway received the national Medal of the Arts and was presented the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts. He posthumously was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 after he was awarded the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.
On This Day In Comedy… In 1953 Comedic Actress And Author Bern Nadette Stanis Of “Good Times’ Fame Was Born!
On this day in comedy on December 22, 1953, Actress, Author, Bern Nadette Stanis (Bernadette Stanislaus) was born in Brooklyn, New York
The Julliard School graduate is best known for her role as Thelma Evans in the CBS hit sitcom Good Times. The Norman Lear produced show about life in the projects ran from 1974-1979. Stanis was the teenage daughter of James (John Amos) and Florida Evans (Esther Rolle) and sister to older brother JJ (Jimmie Walker) and younger brother, Michael (Ralph Carter). The program dealt with social issues of urban life and gave Stanis an opportunity to represent the trials and tribulations of a young black girl in post-Civil Rights America to a generation. The fact she was attractive helped. Girls wanted to look like Thelma and guys wanted a girl who looked like Thelma.
Good Times made Stanis a cultural icon and she embraced it. Unlike many celebrities who the public confused with their popular alter ego, if you called Stanis “Thelma” she’d answer to it with a smile and talk to the adoring fan. She’s done promotional commercials as Thelma, radio spots, personal appearances, Black History Month recollections about Good Times and played Thelma Evans on an episodes of The Wayans Bros. Stanis was even part of a “Battle of the Thelmas” for TV One. The stunt was to air the weddings of Thelma from Good Times (to actor Ben Powers) and the wedding of Anna Maria Horsford (who played Thelma Frye on Amen).
However, Stanis proved she was more than Thelma Evans. Following the cancellation of Good Times, Stanis guest starred on The Love Boat, What’s Happening Now!!, The Cosby Show, The Parent ‘Hood, Girlfriends and Black Jesus. She’s appeared in over a half dozen films and has published two books; Situations 101: Relationships, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly and For Men Only, a collection of her poetry.
On This Day In Comedy… In 2001 ‘How High’ Was Released By Universal Pictures
On this day in comedy on December 21, 2001, How High was released by Universal Pictures
Entertainment Weekly ranked this stoner film as third in their top 10. Other mainstream critics dismissed the Dustin Lee Abraham written movie, but what do they know? It won a Stony Award in 2002. Not bad for the first feature film of director, Jesse Dylan. Starring rappers Method Man and Redman, How High was a celebration of smoking weed and hallucinating.
Two academic loafers get a break is the basic story. Their friend dies. So naturally they use his ashes for fertilizer and grow weed that when smoked brings forth visions of the dead friend. However, he’s a spook with a purpose. He gives his buddies all the right answers to their Finals exams which land them into Harvard University. There, they hook up with beautiful girls and frustrate the Dean (Cain) with their free-wheeling falderal and anecdotes. It’s all good until their plant is ripped off and the two are actually forced to study. When that doesn’t work they dig up another dead guy, smoke his ashes, but no go. Looks like they’re out of college until a truth serum experiment works and they pass their exam. It’s the kind of thing that happens all the time.
How High had a number of comedy cameos. Comedians, Mike Epps, Fred Willard, Tracy Morgan and Garrett Morris are featured as well as comedic personalities, Obba Babatunde, Anna Maria Horsford, Jeffrey Jones, Lark Voorhies, Hector Elizondo, Essence Atkins, Spalding Gray, Chuck Liddell and Cypress Hill. Produced by Danny DeVito and 5 others How High was made on a budget of $20 million and grossed $31,283,790 at the box office.
