Mon Jan 06 14:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Netflix Comedian Michelle Buteau Calls Out Dave Chappelle’s Transphobic Humor
**New York, NY** – Michelle Buteau’s new Netflix special, “A Buteau-ful Mind,” filmed at Radio City Music Hall, is making waves not just for its hilarious observations on culture and politics, but for its pointed criticism of Dave Chappelle’s anti-trans comedy. Buteau, the first female comedian to headline a special at the iconic venue, uses her platform to advocate for inclusive humor, contrasting her own approach with Chappelle’s widely criticized transphobic jokes in his Netflix specials.
Buteau’s stand-up tackles various social issues, from racism to reproductive rights, demonstrating how insightful comedy can be both funny and thought-provoking without resorting to harmful stereotypes. She directly addresses Chappelle’s repeated targeting of the transgender community, arguing that his jokes are not only unfunny but dangerous, contributing to a climate of violence against an already vulnerable population. The Human Rights Campaign reported at least 30 trans and gender-nonconforming people were killed in the US in 2024 alone.
While many comedians have defended Chappelle’s right to free speech, Buteau argues that this right does not extend to the deliberate endangerment of others. She contrasts Chappelle’s multi-million dollar deals with Netflix, fueled by his controversial material, with her own desire to create comedy that is both edgy and inclusive. Her call for accountability highlights a growing tension within the comedy world between freedom of expression and the responsibility to avoid perpetuating harm. Buteau’s special serves as a powerful example of how comedy can be used as a force for good, promoting understanding and challenging harmful narratives. The special also emphasizes the urgency of addressing transphobia, particularly in light of the alarming rise in violence against transgender individuals.
First Piper 