Comedy legend Dave Chappelle is no stranger to speaking his mind, and his recent performance at the sold-out Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi was no exception. As part of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, Chappelle took the stage to deliver his signature mix of humor and hard-hitting commentary. This time, his target was none other than DJ Khaled, the chart-topping producer and self-proclaimed “king of anthems,” for his silence on the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Chappelle Calls Out Khaled’s Quiet Stance
During the show, an audience member shouted DJ Khaled’s name, prompting Chappelle to address what he sees as Khaled’s lack of action or public support for Palestinians. Chappelle didn’t hold back, saying, “DJ Khaled, let me tell you something. For a Palestinian, this man is awfully quiet right now. And as a Palestinian, how could you be that quiet right now? And why are you so fat? People are starving. He’s the only fat Palestinian on Earth right now.”
The crowd erupted in laughter, but Chappelle’s words carried a deeper message. Known for his outspoken nature, the comedian has been vocal about the suffering of Palestinians since the conflict escalated in October 2023. During the same performance, Chappelle described Israel’s actions as “genocide,” a statement that drew cheers from the audience.
A History of Silence: Khaled Under Fire
Chappelle isn’t the first to question DJ Khaled’s silence on the issue. Back in February 2024, Khaled’s cousin, Fadie Musallet, publicly expressed his disappointment in the music mogul. In an interview, Musallet said, “There’s no reason, there’s no excuse when you’re actually a Palestinian. For me, my mother lives there. We’re from the same village, same families. So, there’s no excuse… I do a lot of work with refugee camps, raise money for Gaza and the West Bank. I put my heart into this.”
Musallet’s comments highlight a growing frustration among Palestinians and their supporters, who feel that Khaled’s platform and influence could be used to amplify the voices of those affected by the conflict. As one of the most recognizable Palestinian figures in the entertainment industry, Khaled’s silence has been met with criticism from fans and activists alike.
Chappelle’s Passionate Advocacy for Palestine
Dave Chappelle’s critique of Khaled is part of a larger pattern of the comedian using his platform to shed light on global issues. Since the outbreak of violence in Gaza, Chappelle has been vocal about the humanitarian crisis, often weaving his commentary into his performances. His ability to blend humor with social and political critique has made him a powerful voice in the conversation surrounding the conflict.
Chappelle’s remarks in Abu Dhabi underscore the importance of using one’s platform to advocate for justice and human rights. While his comments about Khaled were delivered with a comedic edge, they also serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with influence and fame.
The Power of Celebrity Advocacy
In an era where social media amplifies every voice, celebrities have an unprecedented ability to shape public opinion and drive change. For figures like DJ Khaled, who boasts millions of followers and a global fanbase, the decision to remain silent on issues like the Gaza conflict can be seen as a missed opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the world will be watching to see if Khaled responds to the growing calls for him to take a stand. In the meantime, voices like Dave Chappelle’s ensure that the conversation remains alive and that those in positions of power are held accountable.
Dave Chappelle’s critique of DJ Khaled is more than just a headline—it’s a call to action. In a world where silence can be interpreted as complicity, the comedian’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out, especially for those with the platform to make a difference. Whether Khaled will heed this call remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world is paying attention.
