In a new Netflix special called 8:46, comedian Dave Chappelle offers his thoughts on recent world events in a candid, yet emotional conversation.
Some of the topics he covers include George Floyd’s death, Kobe Bryant’s legacy, CNN host Don Lemon, and conservative commentator Candace Owens.
The 27-minute special was released on Netflix’s YouTube channel late Thursday and is available to watch free on the platform. The video was recorded on June 6 at a show in Yellow Springs, Ohio that was attended by about 100 people.
Related Story: Don Lemon Calls Out Hollywood Stars for ‘Doing Nothing’ Amid George Floyd Protests
The title 8:46 references the length of time that Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s neck, resulting in his death. Chappelle also reveals that the chosen time is significant to him because according to his birth certificate, it was the same time of day he was born.
In the special, Chappelle expresses how he feels regarding the recent violent deaths of black men. In addition to George Floyd, he discusses Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile, and Michael Brown, other black men whose deaths made international headlines.
The comedian starts off by releasing a heavy sigh and then saying, “It’s hard to figure out what to say about George Floyd, so I’m not going to say it yet.”
“I got to tell you, this is like the first concert in North America since all this s–t happened, so like it or not, it’s history. It’s going to be in the books,” he continued.
“When I watched that tape, I understood this man knew he was going to die,” Chappelle said of the bystander video of Floyd’s final moments.
Related Story: Oprah Says Black People Everywhere ‘Recognized That Knee’ on George Floyd’s Neck
Later in the set, the comedian heavily criticized Candace Owens for her remarks on Floyd, noting that he’s seen Owens “try to convince white America — ‘Don’t worry about it. He’s a criminal anyway.’”
“I don’t give a f–k what this n—a did. I don’t care what this n— did,” the comedian continued.
Owens has sparked anger for her comments about Floyd and the nationwide protests that followed his death. One viral video that she made talks about him having a criminal record.
Chappelle also tore into CNN anchor Don Lemon, who criticized celebrities for not speaking up after Floyd’s murder.
“I’m watching Don Lemon, that hot bed of reality. He says, where are all these celebrities, why aren’t you talking?” Chappelle said.
The comedian reminded the audience he’s spoken about issues of race before, but questioned the need for celebrities to address Floyd’s death.
“Answer me: Do you want to see a celebrity right now? Do we give a f–k what Ja Rule thinks?” the comedian asked the crowd.
He closed his set by saying, “People are asking ‘Why isn’t Dave Chappelle saying anything?’ Because Dave Chappelle understands what the f–k he is seeing.”
“These streets will speak for themselves, whether I am alive or dead,” he continued. “I trust you guys, I love you guys. We’ll keep this space open. This is the last stronghold for civil discourse. After this s–t, it’s just rat-a-tat-tat.”
The special was taped amid the coronavirus pandemic, and shows attendees socially distancing and having their temperatures checked.
“Normally I wouldn’t show you something so unrefined,” Chappelle wrote in the caption under the video. “I hope you understand.”
Watch the full special below.
