Unfortunately, Dave Chappelle did not perform at First Avenue last night. Hours before he was supposed to perform, the venue decided to cancel. They received backlash from Chappelle’s comments regarding the LGBTQ+ community. First Avenue was urged to cancel his show by the community and its allies. The prominent venue was sold-out for the Maryland comedian. The venue is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is known for being featured in “Purple Rain”, Prince’s 1984 movie.
First Avenue Statement
First Avenue made a statement and posted it on Instagram. Instead of performing at the First Avenue venue, Chappelle’s show was moved to the Varsity Theater. Varsity Theater is about 25 minutes from First Avenue and fans were able to transfer their tickets to the venue. Many people took to Twitter to either praise or attack the venue for their decision. Celebrities in support of Dave took to Twitter to ridicule First Avenue. Tyler Carditis and Tony Gervino, for example, mocked First Avenue’s beliefs. Both Tyler and Tony pointed out that they are not as accepting of diversity and freedom of speech as they claim. Seth Dillon and Kimberly Klacik have also expressed their confusion on why the show was canceled.
LGBTQ+ vs. Chappelle
Other Twitter users were in support of First Avenue. One user pointed out that all of First Avenue’s staff did not want Chappelle to be there and it wasn’t because of the public. The staff sent emails regarding their disapproval of Dave Chappelle being booked at their place of work to management, but they were ignored. There are people amongst the staff that identify with the LGBTQ+ community whether they work security, serve refreshments, or take tickets. Spencer Gosewisch identifies as a trans woman and has been working at the venue for over 6 months now.
“They say that companies hang up queer flags in June and burn them in July, and that’s exactly what it feels like First Avenue is doing right now,” said Gosewisch
Another employee, Ian Sutherland, remains unsatisfied with the result. He feels that Chappelle should have never been booked, canceling didn’t make up for it, and apologizing was only for the venue’s reputation. The entire staff demands more.
Written by: Brandon Simmons
