Dave Chappelle’s Saturday Night Live monologue on his return from the winter break was a standout moment, filled with humor and sharp commentary on current events. The 15-minute monologue touched on a wide array of topics, from the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles to the upcoming Donald Trump inauguration.
Chappelle began by joking about the catastrophic wildfires in California, which were considered the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history at the time. “Because people in L.A. have nice stuff,” he quipped, referencing the high value of property in the area. He also made light of conspiracy theories surrounding the fires, joking that if one were a rational person, they might think “God hates these people.” His wit continued as he joked that the West Hollywood neighborhood, known for its LGBTQ+ population, remained untouched by the fires, adding, “How can you burn what is already flaming?”
Dave Chappelle's monologue! pic.twitter.com/qSkjGsfnv1
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) January 19, 2025
Turning to the political landscape, Chappelle addressed the upcoming Trump inauguration, a highly charged political event. The comedian gave Trump a message of hope: “The presidency is no place for petty people,” he remarked. Despite Trump’s controversial campaign, Chappelle emphasized the importance of the office and urged Trump to rise above the divisiveness. “Whether people voted for you or not, they’re all counting on you,” he said, ending with a plea for improvement: “Please, do better next time.”
Chappelle also took time to humorously touch on the legal troubles surrounding rapper Sean Combs, particularly his infamous parties that reportedly lasted for days and involved drugs and wild behavior. Chappelle joked about never being invited to these parties and humorously reflected on what it would have been like to find out from the newspaper that “everyone in Hollywood had an orgy behind your back and nobody called me.” The comedian’s take on celebrity culture was both humorous and reflective, showing how out-of-the-loop he felt compared to the extravagant lives of Hollywood stars.
The monologue concluded with a poignant moment as Chappelle honored former President Jimmy Carter. He shared a personal experience from his time in the Middle East when Carter visited Palestinian territories. Chappelle recalled being moved by images of Carter walking with little security while being cheered on by thousands of Palestinians. Chappelle expressed his admiration for Carter, stating, “I don’t know if that’s a good president, but that right there, I am sure, is a great man.”
Dave Chappelle Tackles Wildfires and Political Issues on SNL
Chappelle’s SNL appearance was a perfect blend of comedy and serious commentary, showcasing his ability to tackle sensitive topics with humor and insight. His laid-back delivery and fearless approach to current events made the monologue a memorable moment of the season’s first episode. From political figures to Hollywood celebrities and natural disasters, Chappelle once again proved why he is one of the most influential voices in comedy today.
Dave Chappelle brings his humor to SNL, addressing topics like wildfires, Trump’s inauguration, and Hollywood parties. He also honors Jimmy Carter in his monologue. #SNL #DaveChappelle #Comedy #Politics #Wildfires https://t.co/UjvXk7h3Fg
— IND12 (@IND12news) January 20, 2025