Comedian Dave Chappelle has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, TMZ, which first broke the news, reported. His diagnosis came just before the 47-year-old was set to perform in a series of shows, a spokeswoman for the star told the media outlet.
Carla Sims, a representative for Chappelle, said the “Half Baked” star was scheduled to perform at the Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, from Thursday, Jan. 21 to Sunday, Jan. 24, but those shows will now be canceled. The actor performed at the first of five shows in Austin on Wednesday night, Jan. 20.
“Dave Chappelle is quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19. His remaining shows at Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, TX have been canceled, and ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for refunds,” a statement from his team read. It continued, “Chappelle has safely conducted socially-distanced shows in Ohio since June 2020, and he moved those shows to Austin during the winter. Chappelle implemented COVID-19 protocols, which included rapid testing for the audience and daily testing for himself and his team. His diligent testing enabled him to immediately respond by quarantining, thus mitigating the spread of the virus. Chappelle is asymptomatic.”
Comedian Joe Rogan was also expected to perform at the show’s set on Friday and Saturday. The podcaster shared a photo of the TMZ report on Instagram, apologizing to his followers for the canceled shows and explaining that they would be rescheduled.
He added, “Edit: because people are asking, I was not exposed to the person who had covid and I have tested negative every day this week. Also, the person that gave covid to Dave was NOT Elon’s partner @grimes.”
The note was seemingly in reference to a post that was shared on Rogan’s page earlier sometime this week. The snap featured Rogan, Chappelle, Elon Musk and several other comedians, none of whom were wearing masks.
Last month, Chappelle made headlines after streaming providers HBO Max and Netflix agreed to remove the star’s popular sketch show “Chappelle’s Show” from their platforms. This came after the comedian told fans at a show to “boycott me.”
The actor claimed that he was not getting paid for the series and that if fans “ever liked me if you ever think there was anything worthwhile about me, I’m begging you. Please don’t watch that show.”
