CNN —
Dave Chappelle’s rep is pushing back a report that claimed the writers of ‘Saturday Night Live’ staged a boycott before he hosted the show this weekend.
On Wednesday, the New York Post, citing an anonymous source, reported that writers on the show were suspending the episode.
“We have seen nothing to support media reports of a writer’s boycott,” Chappelle’s spokesman told CNN in a statement. “In fact, the authors provided over 40 sketches for Dave’s reflections and collaboration. Just like Dave’s past ‘SNL’ appearances, you won’t want to miss it!”
It will be hosting Chappelle’s third time.
‘SNL’ announced its return to Studio 8H last week.
News of Chappelle’s hosting drew some excitement on social media given his controversial comments about the transgender community over the years, especially given that the show announced in September that it was welcoming its first non-binary cast member, the Comedian and actress Molly Kearney adds. and has a trans nonbinary author, Celeste Yim.
CNN has reached out to representatives from “SNL”, its creator Lorne Michaels, Kearney and Yim for comment.
Chappelle has cracked jokes about the trans community in Sets over the years, and has faced backlash from some members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Most recently, the 2021 Netflix special The Closer raised anger after Chappelle said he was “Team TERF,” short for “trans-exclusionary radical feminist.”
“Gender is a fact,” Chappelle said during the special. “Every person in this room, every person on earth had to walk through a woman’s legs to be on earth. That’s a fact.”
About 65 Netflix employees jumped into action amid the controversy, and earlier this year a venue canceled Chappelle’s planned performance after receiving criticism for the decision to let him perform.
Netflix stood by its decision to stream the special.