Dave Chappelle returned to Saturday Night Live on January 18, 2025, for his fourth time hosting, delivering a monologue that spanned everything from the Los Angeles wildfires to the political climate surrounding Donald Trump’s forthcoming inauguration. Chappelle’s performance was full of sharp humor, touching tributes, and insightful commentary, as he blended topical issues with personal reflections.
Starting his 15-minute monologue, Chappelle recounted his discussions with SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels, who had asked him to host after the November 2024 election. According to Rolling Stone, Chappelle had initially declined, saying, “Nah, man. I’m cool,” but agreed to return for an episode closest to January 6th, hoping to “get rid of all these old Trump jokes.”
The comedian touched on the recent Los Angeles wildfires, which were among the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. Reflecting on the tragedy, Chappelle said, “The moment I said yes, L.A. burst into flames,” acknowledging the timing of his return to the show. While expressing discomfort at making jokes about such a catastrophe so soon, he couldn’t resist adding humor. He joked that the wildfires were so costly because “people in L.A. have nice stuff,” quipping, “I could burn 40,000 acres in Mississippi for $600, $700.” Chappelle also pondered conspiracy theories about the fires, even suggesting, “If you were a rational-thinking person, you have to at least consider the possibility that God hates these people.” He then lightheartedly remarked, “But that’s not true because West Hollywood was unscathed, because how can you burn what is already flaming?”
As Chappelle transitioned to another topic, he riffed on rapper P. Diddy’s sex-trafficking indictment, joking about his own exclusion from Diddy’s notorious parties. After some playful back-and-forth about his friends’ surprise at his absence from the scandalous events, Chappelle concluded, “I said, ‘Oh, my god! I’m ugly!’” adding, “Boy, that is a tough way to find that out.” He then shared a self-deprecating insight, admitting that his “snitch energy” likely kept him away from the scene, mimicking a gesture of guilt as he acted out being the kind of person who would “tell.”
In the latter part of the monologue, Chappelle shifted gears and paid tribute to the late Jimmy Carter, reflecting on his personal experience meeting the former president in the Middle East. He recalled the time when Carter, without heavy security, walked through Palestinian territories, an image that deeply moved Chappelle. “I don’t know if that’s a good president, but that right there, I am sure, is a great man,” he said, as reported by Yahoo! Entertainment.
Chappelle then turned his attention to the looming presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, offering a direct message to the incoming president. “The presidency is no place for petty people,” Chappelle said, addressing Trump. “Whether people voted for you or not, they’re all counting on you; whether they like you or not, they’re all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you. I mean this when I say this, good luck, please, do better next time. Please, all of us, do better next time. Do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people, whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine,” as reported by Deadline.
Chappelle’s performance struck a balance between his trademark sharp humor and a deep call for empathy and understanding, leaving both the audience and viewers at home with a moment of reflection on the state of the nation and the world.