Andrew Yang steps up to defend Dave Chappelle

Former Democratic Presidential candidate Andrew Yang defended comedian Dave Chappelle Friday, referring to a “press hit job” on the comic.

According to The Daily Wire, Yang defended Chappelle in a tweet. “I was endorsed by a number of celebrities. Dave Chappelle is the only one who came to Iowa and South Carolina to perform on my behalf – with proceeds going to the campaign – and even made phone calls and hung out with staff. He did it because he wants to help people. Great guy,” Yang tweeted on Friday.

“The press hit job on his visiting his high school is awful,” Yang continued a second tweet. “Successful alum who fundraises for school returns, speaks to students and gives everyone a free meal for Thanksgiving. But of course in 2021 an obvious positive gesture is framed negatively in the media.”

“To get a better sense, check out the new documentary ‘Untitled’ when you can on what Dave did through Covid. Should be available via streaming soon. He helped a lot of people. That’s the kind of person he is,” Yang continued.

Dave Chappelle drew some negative attention for appearing at his alma mater, Washington, D.C.’s Duke Ellington High School. According to Politico Playbook, Chappelle got into a heated argument with the students during Q&A.

"One student stepped to the mic and called Chappelle a 'bigot,' adding, 'I’m 16 and I think you’re childish, you handled it like a child,' according to two students present. The comments were confirmed by Chappelle’s spokesperson," says Politico Playbook.

"Chappelle responded, as recalled the next day by the students, 'My friend, with all due respect, I don’t believe you could make one of the decisions I have to make on a given day.' That peeved some students who were hoping for an apology or some semblance of one from Chappelle."

"In response to another antagonistic question, Chappelle roughly told the student body of artists: '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,'" Politico Playbook explains.

"The students recalled that another student in the audience shouted at him, 'Your comedy kills,' and Chappelle shot back, 'N—— are killed every day.' He then asked, 'The media’s not here, right?'"

According to Chappelle's spokesperson, Carla Sims, the comedian helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in an effort to help the school. He also provided 600 Thanksgiving meals for students, alongside tickets to see his documentary, Untitled.