Comedians defend Dave Chappelle in wake of canceled Minnesota show: 'Nobody should be censored'

foxnews.com:

The comedy world stood up in defense of comedian Dave Chappelle after his show in Minneapolis was canceled at the last minute due to backlash for past anti-trans remarks made on the controversial Netflix show, "The Closer."  Dave Chappelle was originally scheduled to perform on Wednesday at the First Avenue concert venue, but the show was moved to a smaller stage three miles away at Varsity Theater following heated protests.

His appearance had been announced on Monday and tickets to the performance sold out in minutes. Comedian Flame Monroe, who is transgender, told Fox News Digital that freedom of speech is paramount when it comes to protecting the "safest place" on Earth — the stage. "When I grow up, I want to be just like him, because guess what, the show must go on," Monroe said. "I don't want to be censored as a comedian.

I say some ridiculous things on stage, that's hilarious, that may make you think, but what it also does is teaches you that I'm a human being."  Dave Chappelle was supported by the comedy community after he was canceled by a Minnesota venue earlier this week. (Brian Stukes) Monroe insisted the venue had their priorities mixed up when they bowed to pressures to cancel the show. "It's not about race, or color or size or gender, it's about money.

You don't want to make money," Monroe said, adding that comedians "don't want to spew anger and hate and bitterness. You want people to laugh." Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada told Fox News Digital that the "comic stage is their sanctuary.