Chappelle faces criticism over special
Dave Chappelle is drawing a growing wave of criticism for his derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community in his new Netflix stand-up special.
In “The Closer,” which premiered Tuesday, the comedian makes explicit jokes about trans women and offers defenses for previous derogatory comments made by figures such as “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and rapper DaBaby.
Chappelle also references criticism he faced for makings jokes about the trans community in his previous Netflix specials “Equanimity” and “Sticks and Stones.”
Representatives for Chappelle did not immediately respond, and Netflix declined to comment.
In a statement, GLAAD called out the pattern of derogatory jokes, saying that “Chappelle’s brand has become synonymous with ridiculing trans people and other marginalized communities.”
The National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights advocacy group serving the LGBTQ+ community, also provided a statement, urging Netflix to remove the new special from its catalog.
Maddow diagnosed with skin cancer:
MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow revealed Wednesday that she was diagnosed with skin cancer after her partner noticed an odd mole.
“I went to the dermatologist ... did a biopsy, turns out it was skin cancer,” Maddow, 48, said during her show.
The anchor said she underwent surgery on Friday, which explained the Band-Aid on her neck and her few days off the air.
“I am going to be absolutely fine. I’m going to be totally fine,” she said.
Parton, businesses raise $700K for flood victims:
Country star Dolly Parton and her Smoky Mountain businesses have raised $700,000 to help residents impacted by the catastrophic flooding in Middle Tennessee.
According to a Wednesday release, Parton chose United Way of Humphreys County to receive and distribute the donation at the suggestion of her friend and fellow country music legend Loretta Lynn. A foreman at Lynn’s ranch was among those who died in the flood.
“I hope that this money can be put to good use to help the people of Middle Tennessee with what they need during their recovery,” Parton said in a statement.
During the Aug. 21 flood, more than 500 homes and 50 businesses were damaged after up to 17 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours.
Turner sells song catalog: Singer Tina Turner has sold her extensive song catalog to music company BMG. It wasn’t disclosed how much the rocker, 81, scored from the deal, but it could be worth “north of $50 million,” by one industry source’s estimate, according to the BBC.
Turner’s hits include “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” “Better Be Good to Me” and “The Best.” Turner said in a statement that her music was in “good hands.”
Oct. 8 birthdays: Actor Paul Hogan is 82. Actor Chevy Chase is 78. Actor Sigourney Weaver is 72. Singer Robert “Kool” Bell is 71. Comedian Darrell Hammond is 66. Singer CeCe Winans is 57. Singer Teddy Riley is 54. Actor Matt Damon is 51. Actor Nick Cannon is 41. Actor J.R. Ramirez is 41. Singer Bruno Mars is 36.