Dave Chappelle’s show in a US venue has been cancelled hours before the comedian was set to take to the stage after backlash from patrons.
The 48-year-old comedian was due to take the stage in Minneapolis on Wednesday, when the venue First Avenue scrapped the show hours before his sold-out performance.
First Avenue apologised to its artists, staff and community, following social media furore over the decision to book the controversial comedian.
The venue acknowledged in a statement that it was “meaningful beyond our walls” and needed to hold itself “to the highest standards”.
It comes as Chappelle has faced criticism over transphobic comments in his Netflix stand-up special The Closer.
In a statement from the venue, a spokesperson wrote: “The Dave Chappelle show tonight at First Avenue has been cancelled and is moving to the Varsity Theater.
“To staff, artists and our community, we hear you and we are sorry. We know we must hold ourselves to the highest standards and we know we let you down.
“We are not just a back box with people in it, and we understand that First Ave is not just a room, but meaningful beyond our walls.
“The First Avenue team and you have worked hard to make our venues the safest spaces in the country and we will continue that mission.
“We believe in diverse voices and the freedom of artistic expression but in honouring that, we lost sight of the impact this would have. We know there are some who will not agree with this decision; you are welcome to send feedback.”
Chapelle's show was announced Monday and quickly saw tickets sell out, but meanwhile social media was flooded with comments condemning the decision to host the comedian.
One social media user commented on Twitter : “Announced 24 hours in advance because y'all KNOW what you're platforming and simply continue to be money chasing cowards.”
On its website the venue states that it is “committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination and harassment”.
It adds that behaviour including “speaking in a discriminatory manner including using racist, sexist, ableist, transphobic, homophobic, xenophobic, or other biased language, including intentional misgendering” is not welcome.
