Bowen Yang’s speculated past SNL dispute with Dave Chappelle explored as the two seemingly reconcile in the latest episode

Bowen Yang and comedian Dave Chappelle appeared to have reconciled at the end of the latest Saturday Night Live (SNL) episode, hugging each other.

After the comedian's comments about the LGBTQ+ community in 2024 sparked rumors of a rift between the two, Yang and Chappelle's supposedly tense relationship came to an end during their interaction at the end of the show.

Yang explained in an interview with Variety in June 2024 that his placement during the closing segment on the show was not deliberate nor representative of any particular opinion.

The SNL actor stated in his interview with Variety,

“I stand where I always stand on [goodnight], It was not a physical distance that anyone was creating. It had to do with so many things that were completely internal.”

The statement attempted to dispel the escalating internet rumours that Yang's stance was a reflection of disapproval of the comedian.

The controversy started when the 50-year-old comedian Dave Chappelle made an unexpected cameo on the show in January 2024. This episode was hosted by Dakota Johnson. Although he was present only in the closing segment of the show.

Yang's distance from Chappelle led to assumptions that Yang was protesting quietly due to the comedian's history of making controversial statements about the LGBTQ+ community, making the speculation grow intense. Upon asking Yang if his presence made him upset, he replied:

“It was about other people’s response in the show. I was just confused, that was it."

In response to the misunderstanding surrounding Dave Chappelle's participation, Yang's co-star and SNL actor, Kenan Thompson, said:

“Everyone was confused because Chappelle wasn’t part of that episode.”

He continued saying that the scene was "jarring." Thompson's comments matched the larger discussion over how SNL handles disputes by involving its performers and guest stars.

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Dave Chappelle's controversial comments and behaviors

In recent years, Chappelle's reputation has been controversial. His 2021 Netflix special The Closer received a lot of backlash for his comments regarding transgender people, which led to a walkout by Netflix staff and outspoken protests by LGBTQ+ groups.

In the year 2022, Chappelle hosted an SNL episode in which he spoke about topics like anti-semitism, which again became a topic of controversy.

Even though Chappelle made an effort to mend fences with his 2023 special, The Dreamer, he continues to be in public attention since then despite his attempt to regain the trust and confidence of the LGBTQ+ community.

During the show, Chappelle said,

"I'm tired of being controversial. I'm trying to turn over a new leaf."

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You can catch the latest episodes of Saturday Night Live (SNL) on Peacock.