Wanda Sykes Calls Out Dave Chappelle, Embraces ‘Woke’ Label

Author: Dylan Reber

Wanda Sykes has spoken out against Dave Chapelle’s transphobic jokes, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and shared why she accepts the “woke” comedian label.

The lesbian actor, comedian, and writer spoke with Variety ahead of the premiere of her new stand-up special I’m an Entertainer, which hit Netflix this week.

Sykes, who is known for her roles on Black-ish and Curb Your Enthusiasm, expressed disappointment with Dave Chapelle, whose Netflix special The Closer drew criticism for its anti-trans content. “I think what he said was so hurtful and damaging to the trans community,” she said.

“I’m not trans, but they have my support, 100 percent,” she stated.

When asked whether she believes that her special “balances out” the harm done by Chappelle’s, Sykes was uncertain, and said “the scale is still tipped” in favor of those espousing anti-trans rhetoric.

The star also shared her thoughts on being called a “woke” comedian. “If you want to give me the label of a ‘woke comic,’ that’s fine,” Sykes said. “That’s great. What makes me laugh is that they say that like it’s an insult: ‘Oh, they’re woke.” Thank you!'”

“It’s almost like they’re angry that we’re evolving. It’s sad, really” she continued.