How did top stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle roast DJ Khaled and top political figures?

Dubai: Trust top stand-up American comedian Dave Chappelle to make a meal out of the recent turbulent geopolitical events at his recent stop in the UAE.

The 51-year-old took the stage shortly after a ceasefire in the region and addressed a range of topics, including US President Donald Trump’s recent comments on social media updating them about the Iran-Israel conflict and actions related Middle East.

He found the leader's propensity to plan actions with global ramifications on WhatsApp a great source of comedy material.

Chappelle referred to the US President’s Truth Social post announcing air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, quoting the post and adding commentary in his trademark style. His jokes landed.

He also referenced the March incident involving US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who reportedly shared military information via private messaging platforms. He didn't stop there.

The comedian responded to an audience member’s shout about DJ Khaled by mentioning the artist’s silence on the war in Gaza, interspersed with characteristic humour.

While Chappelle did not speak directly about Palestine during this show, he concluded with a reflection on the responsibilities of public figures and how his words might be interpreted or misrepresented.

Born in Washington, D.C. in 1973, Chappelle began performing stand-up in his early teens before gaining national recognition through film roles and television appearances. He is best known for creating and starring in Chappelle’s Show (2003–2006), which became widely praised for its satirical take on social and cultural issues. Chappelle has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple Emmy and Grammy Awards, as well as the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

His Netflix specials—among them The Dreamer—have drawn global audiences and contributed to his reputation as one of the most influential voices in modern comedy.