Dave Chappelle Claims Grammys ‘Snubbed’ Him Over Transgender Jokes—Despite Recent Grammy Win

Dave Chappelle, one of the world’s most prominent comedians, has sparked new controversy after stating that he has been "snubbed" by major Hollywood awards, including the Grammys and Emmys, due to his use of jokes about transgender people in his stand-up specials. "I've gone on to get snubbed by the Grammys and the Emmys because someone thought it was a good idea to tell trans jokes," Chappelle told an audience at a recent screening of his documentary "Dave Chappelle: Live In Real Life" at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival .

Chappelle’s remarks were made in the context of a wider discussion about the backlash he has faced from the LGBTQ+ community and some entertainment industry figures over his jokes in Netflix specials, most notably "The Closer" . His comments have reignited ongoing debates about freedom of expression, the boundaries of comedy, and the responsibilities of high-profile entertainers to marginalized communities.

Despite his claims, Chappelle has continued to receive major accolades. In February 2025, he was awarded his sixth Grammy for Best Comedy Album for "The Dreamer," marking his third consecutive win in this category . Notably, every one of his specials that has included jokes about transgender people has gone on to win a Grammy .

The contradiction between Chappelle’s claim of being "snubbed" and his repeated wins has prompted questions about what he meant. His three Emmy wins and consecutive Grammy victories suggest continued industry recognition, even as his material has drawn protests from LGBTQ+ communities and criticism from some media outlets .

It is unclear whether Chappelle is referencing specific instances—such as losing to Adele for a music special at the 2022 Emmys—or expressing broader frustration with perceived industry disapproval .

Chappelle’s Netflix specials, particularly "The Closer," have faced significant backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, Netflix employees, and allies. Critics argue that his jokes perpetuate harmful stereotypes about transgender people and contribute to a culture of exclusion and misunderstanding . In 2021, Netflix employees staged a walkout in protest of the company’s decision to air the special, and numerous LGBTQ+ organizations called on the streaming giant to be more accountable to their audience .

GLAAD and other advocacy groups have repeatedly emphasized that while comedians have a right to free speech, entertainment platforms and the industry as a whole share responsibility for the messages they amplify and reward. Many in the LGBTQ+ community have expressed disappointment that Chappelle’s work continues to be recognized at the highest levels in the face of vocal opposition from those affected by his material.

The repeated awarding of Chappelle’s specials by the Grammys and Emmys raises complex questions about the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility. While some defend Chappelle’s right to challenge social norms and tackle controversial subjects through comedy, others argue that major awards send a message about what is valued—and whom it is acceptable to target—in the entertainment industry .