Kathy Griffin Said She Thinks Dave Chappelle Is "Just A Transphobic Guy" After Backlash Against His Netflix Special "The Closer"

    "I don't think Dave is running around harming gays."

    Last year, Dave Chappelle drew widespread criticism for transphobic comments he made in his most recent Netflix special, The Closer. Netflix employees walked out in protest, and a trans employee was fired during that time, too.

    Chappelle smiles for the camera

    Several celebrities weighed in at the time. Jay-Z said, "If you spend time with him, he's brilliant," while Channing Tatum called him "a dangerous person to talk about at the moment."

    Now, Kathy Griffin has offered her take.

    Kathy Griffin smiles for the camera

    In an interview on The New York Times' Sway podcast, the comedian stated that she believes Chappelle is "just a transphobic guy."

    Griffin smiles at an event

    “I love Dave, and I think he’s a genius,” she said. “I just think that he’s also transphobic.”

    Chappelle looks at the camera at a step-and-repeat

    “I think Dave is just a transphobic guy," she continued, before clarifying that she didn't think he's "trans-bashing" or "running around harming gays.",

    Chappelle looks in the distance while wearing sunglasses

    Griffin also offered an explanation for why her "trans friends" were hurt by Chappelle's comments.

    Chappelle puts his hand to his chest while smiling

    "They’re saying to me, ‘How can this guy be a Black guy whose — you know, his heart beats for George Floyd, as it should, but when it comes to us, he doesn’t even — he doesn’t get it," she said.

    Chappelle looks in the distance

    "Like, he just keeps making a joke."

    Chappelle extends his arms

    Earlier this year, Chappelle signed a deal to host and produce four new comedy specials for Netflix, so we'll see what he has to say in the future.

    Listen to the entire interview here.

    If you or someone you know has experienced anti-LGBTQ violence or harassment, you can contact the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs hotline at 1-212-714-1141.