A Minneapolis music venue First Avenue has cancelled comedian Dave Chappelle’s scheduled show just hours before it was due to start.
The venue had received massive backlash due to Chappelle’s past comments, including regarding transgender people.
In a post shortly after 4 p.m., less than three hours before the show was scheduled to begin, First Avenue apologized and announced the show’s cancellation saying the show is moving to Varsity Theatre.
“To staff, artists, and our community, we hear you and we are sorry. We know we must hold ourselves to the highest standards, and we know we let you down,” the post said in part.
The venue also acknowledged that not everyone would agree with its decision to cancel the show and encouraged feedback.
“We believe in diverse voices and the freedom of artistic expression, but in honouring that, we lost sight of the impact this would have.”
Ticketholders were told to expect an email from Varsity Theatre regarding the show.
Varsity Theatre had already scheduled four Chappelle shows on Thursday and Friday, two of which were added due to popular demand.
Dozens of protestors demonstrated outside the Varsity Theatre on Wednesday to speak out against Dave Chappelle performing there after First Avenue refused to host his show.
The comedian has been the subject of controversy after previous jokes and comments he made about the transgender community.