Patton Oswalt Apologizes For Posting Photo With Longtime Friend Dave Chappelle

After posting a New Year's Eve photo alongside Dave Chappelle, Patton Oswalt has apologized to the trans community while offering sympathy for his longtime friend.

While Dave Chappelle is still facing backlash for The Closer, some his closest friends in comedy are also feeling the heat. On Friday, Patton Oswalt posted a photo on Instagram of him and Chappelle after performing at the Seattle Center. Following his set, Chappelle texted Oswalt to do a guest set at a nearby arena he was performing at.

"Why not? I waved good-bye to this hell-year with a genius that I started comedy with 34 years ago. He works an arena like he’s talking to one person and charming their skin off," Oswalt fondly said of Chappelle. "Anyway, I ended the year with a real friend and a deep laugh. can’t ask for much more."

Those offended by Chappelle's Netflix special criticized Oswalt's post in the comments section. In a follow-up post, where Oswalt looked mournful, the comedian gave an apology to trans people while still acknowledging his longtime friendship with Chappelle.

"He’s a fellow comedian, the funniest I’ve ever met. I wanted to post a pic & an IG story about it — so I did. The friend is Dave Chappelle. Thirty four YEARS we’ve been friends," Oswalt wrote.

Oswalt also acknowledged The Closer, where Chappelle was accused of making transphobic jokes. Oswalt has known Chappelle since they were teens but says the two "“100% disagree about transgender rights & representation". 

"I support trans peoples’ rights — ANYONE’S rights — to live safely in the world as their fullest selves,” Oswalt said. "For all the things he’s helped ME evolve on, I’ll always disagree with where he stands NOW on transgender issues."

Although Oswalt disagrees with Chappelle's stance, he said that it would be "impossible" to end his friendship with Chappelle, he doesn't “believe a seeker like him is done evolving, learning.”

"You know someone that long, see the struggles and changes, it’s impossible to cut them off. Impossible not to be hopeful and open and cheer them on," Oswalt further said about Chappelle.

Oswalt went on to apologize for deleting comments "from LGBTQ writers AND shit-posts by TERF/anti-trans orcs", saying that he just wanted "nice" comments regarding his initial photo with Chappelle.

"So easy to think someone ELSE needs growth and miss the need in yourself," Oswalt wrote. "Gonna keep trying."