Comedian Dave Chappelle, 47, has tested positive for COVID-19 before he was set to perform a series of shows in Austin, Texas. His representative confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Chappelle was quarantining after testing positive but has had no symptoms so far.
"Dave Chappelle is quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19. His remaining shows at Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, TX have been canceled and ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for refunds," his representative said in a statement.
The comedian, who performed a number of socially-distanced outdoor shows in Ohio last summer, moved the shows to Austin his winter. Chappelle’s team has implemented rapid testing for audiences, as well as daily testing for the comedian and his team.
As a result of his thorough testing, Chappelle’s asymptomatic status was quickly detected, which “enabled him to immediately respond by quarantining, thus mitigating the spread of the virus," the statement adds.
Chappelle was scheduled to perform five nights at the Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater from Wednesday through Sunday. He performed the first show on Wednesday evening before testing positive. Joe Rogan was set to appear at two of the remaining shows.
In an Instagram post, Rogan apologized for the cancellation and said the shows would be rescheduled. In a previous Instagram post, Rogan was seen at Stubb's with Chappelle and other celebrities like Grimes, Donnell Rawlings, Ron White and Elon Musk.
Last summer, Chappelle hosted the Chappelle Summer Camp, a series of live performances at Wirrig Pavilion, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. These shows featured comedians like Michelle Wolf, Mo Amer and Donnell Rawlings, Jon Stewart, Chris Rock, Louis CK, Sarah Silverman, David Letterman, Bill Burr, Michael Che, Brian Regan, Chris Tucker, Kevin Hart, Ali Wong, Trevor Noah and Tiffany Haddish.
The Chappelle Summer Camp was cancelled on September 25, 2020, when the comedian’s wife, Elaine Chappelle, announced in a closed Facebook fan group that there had possibly been exposure to COVID-19 in their inner circle. As a result, all further shows were cancelled.
Source: Hollywood Reporter