Dave Chappelle Backed by Family of Late Transgender Comedian Daphne Dorman, Says He’s A “LGBTQ Ally”
The family of late transgender comedian Daphne Dorman is speaking out and backing up Dave amidst controversy for his Netflix special, adding that he is a “LGBTQ ally.”
Chappelle was dubbed transphobic following jokes he made in “The Closer,” which also has a story about his late transgender friend, Daphne Dorman.
The Daily Beast reports that Dorman’s sisters Brandy and Becky came out to defend the comedian claiming his “message was lost in translation.”
“Dave loved my sister and is an LGBTQ ally,” Brandy said of Daphne, who tragically took her own life after being billing online for having Chappelle’s back over previous jokes about the trans community.
“His entire set was begging to end this very situation,” she added.
Brandy took to Facebook, “I feel like he poured his heart out in that special and no one noticed.
“What he’s saying to the LGBTQ family is, ‘I see you. Do you see me? I’m mourning my friend in the best way I know how. Can you see me? Can you allow me that?’” she said.
While speaking to the Daily Beast Becky said,
“She did not find his jokes rude, crude, off-coloring, off-putting, anything. She thought his jokes were funny. “Daphne understood humor and comedy — she was not offended. Why would her family be offended?”
“Blaming Dave is beyond the wrong thing to do,” added Becky. “He helped her and let her be comfortable while talking with him. She had many demons; Dave Chappelle was NOT one of them.”