They weren’t laughing.
Comedian Dave Chappelle criticized the US for backing Israel’s “war crimes” against Palestinians during a live performance in Boston Thursday, prompting some audience members to walk out, in accordance with a report.
The controversial comic made the remarks during a show on the TD Garden on Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Chappelle condemned Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel that left some 1,400 Israelis dead — but blasted what he claimed were Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, sparking some pushback from the gang, people in attendance told the outlet.
The brouhaha began when a member of the audience told Chappelle to “shut up” after he said he didn’t think people should lose their jobs for supporting Palestinians, in accordance with the Journal.
Chappelle, in response, criticized the Israeli government’s decision to chop off food, water and electricity to Gaza.
He also accused Israel of killing innocent civilians and committing war crimes, in accordance with the report.
Greater than 4,300 Palestinians have been killed within the conflict because the Israel Defense Forces have relentlessly pummeled the enclave with greater than 6,000 bombs. Those dead include women and youngsters, in accordance with Palestinian authorities.
Other members of the audience cheered and shouted “Free Palestine!” while others shot back “What about Hamas?!”, witnesses told the Journal.
Some members of the audience walked out after the raucous moment.
Toward the tip of the show, Chappelle reportedly said that two wrongs don’t make a right, in reference to the Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent military response.
A spokesperson for Chappelle told the outlet the comedian “denies being in Boston” that night — despite the show being listed amongst his dates by ticket outlets.