In response to another question, Chappelle said: “I’m better than every instrumentalist, artist, no matter what art you do in this school, right now, I’m better than all of you. I’m sure that will change. I’m sure you’ll be household names soon.”
The students further expressed their displeasure with the comedian following that comment during the Q&A. After the assembly, some teens also said they felt intimidated and there was a power imbalance he was aware of and exploiting.
In response to the heated Q&A, Chappelle’s rep told Politico: “He said these kids deserve an F for forgiveness.” She added, “Give them some space to grow. They are going to say things that are immature.”The performer seemed to further alienate the students at his alma mater after the assembly when he posted a challenge on Instagram. He asked people who both do and don’t support the idea that a theater at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts should be named after him to donate money to their side. Whichever group donates the most will get their wish.
