#Dave Chappelle Tests Positive for COVID-19, Cancels Texas Shows

Dave Chappelle has canceled performances scheduled at Stubbs in Austin, Texas after testing positive for COVID-19, TMZ reports and Chappelle’s representative confirmed to Pitchfork. The canceled dates were among a handful the comedian had booked through this weekend. He had already performed the first of the Austin gigs on Wednesday. Tickets are being refunded.

“Chappelle has safely conducted socially-distanced shows in Ohio since June 2020 and he moved those shows to Austin during the winter,” a statement from Chappelle’s representative reads. “Chappelle implemented COVID-19 protocols which included rapid testing for the audience and daily testing for himself and his team. His diligent testing enabled him to immediately respond by quarantining, thus mitigating the spread of the virus. Chappelle is asymptomatic.”

Chappelle began hosting outdoor, socially distanced performances in his current home state of Ohio since June. His guests included Common, Tiffany Haddish, John Mayer, and several others. After hosting a block party to celebrate the Fourth of July, Chappelle emceed the first post-election episode of Saturday Night Live at the beginning of November.

Earlier this week, Chappelle was photographed maskless with Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and Grimes. Grimes posted about her own recent experience with the virus on January 9.