Dave Chappelle Says Prince Made Him Realize ‘I’m Not Crazy’ After He Ditched ‘Chappelle’s Show’
While he’s often parodied the legendary singer on his show, Dave Chappelle reflects on his friendship with Prince and says it was he who made him realize, “I’m not crazy,” as he ditched his popular comedy sketch series ‘Chappelle’s Show‘ 15 years ago.
Before telling Gayle King in 2017 that he decided to leave because “it just didn’t feel right,” in 2005, Chappelle shocked the industry when he abruptly walked away from his massive hit comedy series; and reportedly rejected a $50 million offer from Comedy Central for a third and fourth season. Although many people were left dumbfounded, Chappelle said one person who didn’t question his decision was Prince.
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Via linter notes for the late singer’s upcoming ‘Sign O’ the Times‘ super deluxe edition, Chappelle says, “When I left Chappelle’s Show, not only was Prince the only person I could relate to, he was one of the few people who truly cared about what was happening in my life. He was the only one I knew who had already done it … The mere sight of Prince reminded me that I’m not the last sane man on earth, and I’m not crazy. He was the first person I knew who didn’t question my choices. In fact, he didn’t even ask me about them. He just told me, ‘Whatever it is, you’re right.’ He helped me understand that it might not be over and that there might be another side to it … and whether or not there is or isn’t, at least you’re free. Or, as he would say, ‘U gotta B free.'”
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