Dave Chappelle opens up about 'gut-wrenching' stand-up special inspired by George Floyd

Dave Chappelle opened up about his ultra successful 8:46 stand-up special during an appearance Wednesday on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The special was filmed last June and was inspired by the tragic death of George Floyd. In his set, Chappelle honored the recent victims of police brutality and systemic racism.

“A lot of it started when the protests started, the George Floyd of it all,” Chappelle explained. “And boy, I really miss having a microphone in my hand when something like that tragic happens.”

The special was wildly successful, becoming the highest-trending video on YouTube in 2020. While the special was well received, Chappelle admitted he was pretty anxious while making it.

“It was a weird process,” Chappelle said. “I didn't expect that I would put anything out, but it became a thing where I wouldn't feel right telling jokes until I addressed that because people listen to me different and that was one of those moments where I understood that and we let it rip. It was gut-wrenching putting it out to be honest, I was real nervous about it, but I'm glad that I did.”

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on NBC.

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