Dave Chappelle Calls Out DJ Khaled’s Silence on Gaza Conflict During Abu Dhabi Show

During a recent performance in Abu Dhabi, comedian Dave Chappelle used his platform to address a range of political issues and personalities, including pointed criticism of music producer DJ Khaled’s public silence regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The show, held at the Etihad Arena on June 27, featured Chappelle’s signature blend of political commentary and satire. At one point in the performance, an audience member shouted DJ Khaled’s name, prompting Chappelle to respond with remarks questioning the artist's lack of engagement on the war in Gaza. Chappelle referenced Khaled’s Palestinian heritage and noted the absence of public statements from the artist, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

This critique follows earlier public scrutiny of DJ Khaled on the same issue. In February 2024, Khaled’s cousin, Fadie Musallet, expressed disappointment over what he described as Khaled’s refusal to speak out amid mounting casualties and destruction in the Palestinian territories. As the conflict has escalated, several public figures of Palestinian descent have faced increased expectations to use their platforms to speak on the humanitarian crisis.

In addition to his comments on Khaled, Chappelle also took aim at former U.S. President Donald Trump. He referenced Trump’s recent statement claiming credit for ordering strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, followed by a call for peace. Chappelle contrasted the two messages, framing them as an example of political contradiction.

He further alluded to a March 2025 incident involving U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who reportedly shared strategic discussions with allies using encrypted messaging. Chappelle used the moment to highlight what he saw as the blurring of lines between statecraft and media theatrics.

Chappelle has previously made headlines for addressing the Gaza conflict in his comedy. In a 2024 appearance in Abu Dhabi, he referred to Israel’s military campaign as "genocide," a statement that drew enthusiastic reactions from attendees. In a subsequent “Saturday Night Live” monologue in early 2025, he called for global attention to the suffering of displaced Palestinians and emphasized the need for empathy on all sides of the conflict.

Toward the close of his recent set, Chappelle reflected on the influence of celebrity voices and cautioned the audience to remain critical of high-profile statements. He hinted that if he were ever forced to make a disingenuous public declaration, he would do so using a specific phrase—interpreted by some attendees as a coded warning to his audience.

Chappelle’s performance received widespread coverage across regional and international media, underscoring how comedy continues to serve as a platform for public discourse on global events.