Dave Chappelle is facing fresh backlash after telling NPR he resents Republicans for \u201cweaponizing\u201d his anti-trans jokes, arguing that MAGA politicians turned his material into part of their anti-trans agenda. But critics were quick to point out that the comedian\u2019s own past stand-up special, The Closer, and later material repeatedly targeted trans people, making his claim of being misunderstood hard to swallow.\n\nThe article also highlights how Chappelle\u2019s comments about a 2023 photo with Rep. Lauren Boebert were later used to fuel anti-trans messaging, and how social media users and trans advocates are rejecting his attempt to distance himself from the fallout. Despite Chappelle insisting his comedy is meant to be nuanced rather than malicious, many say the jokes were always harmful and that he\u2019s now dealing with the consequences of his own punchlines.