Dave Chappelle returned to Saturday Night Live last weekend, where his opening monologue addressed Kanye West and Kyrie Irving, who have both been involved in controversies over anti-semitism.

The 49-year-old comedian started his monologue by reading a fake letter that said, "I denounce antisemitism in all its forms. And I stand with my friends in the Jewish community. And that, Kanye, is how you buy yourself some time."

Chappelle also said, "I've probably been doing this for 35 years now and early in my career I learned there are two words in the English language you should never say together in sequence, and those words are 'The' and 'Jews.' I never heard someone do good after they said that."

He added that it wasn't "crazy" to think the Jewish community runs show business, but "it's a crazy thing to say out loud." Following his SNL appearance, the Anti-Defamation League condemned the show's decision to have Chappelle as a guest.

"We shouldn't expect @DaveChappelle to serve as society's moral compass, but disturbing to see @NBCSNL not just normalize but popularize #antisemitism," said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. "Why are Jewish sensitivities denied or diminished at almost every turn? Why does our trauma trigger applause?"

While other critics have pointed to the backlash Chappelle received from the transgender community in 2021, the comedy legend may have a new critic in a comedy peer.

Jerry Seinfeld recently addressed Chappelle's opening segment in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. The Jewish comedian acknowledged the comedy in the routine but said it still called "for a conversation."

"I did think the comedy was well-executed," Seinfeld said. "But I think the subject matter calls for a conversation that I don't think I'd want to have in this venue...It provokes a conversation which hopefully is productive."

Seinfeld also highlighted that he is friends with Dave Chappelle, although they don't have a close relationship. Chappelle was also a guest on Seinfeld's show, "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee."

Source: The Hollywood Reporter