Dave Chappelle Brings Controversial Comedy to Star-Studded SF Super Bowl Bash

The comedian's edgy humor and celebrity anecdotes highlight a night of Bay Area hip-hop at Chase Center.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Controversial comedian Dave Chappelle hosted a star-studded Super Bowl weekend show at San Francisco's Chase Center, featuring a mix of his signature edgy comedy, celebrity stories, and performances by Bay Area hip-hop artists. The event, which was likely recorded for a future Netflix special, saw Chappelle touch on topics like transgender people, Somalians, and Jewish people, while also reminiscing about his time in San Francisco in the mid-2000s.

Why it matters

Chappelle's comedy has drawn significant backlash in recent years for its perceived anti-transgender and anti-woke rhetoric, but the sold-out show at Chase Center suggests he remains a popular and in-demand performer, even in progressive San Francisco. The event also highlights the city's continued role as a hub for comedy and entertainment, especially around major events like the Super Bowl.

The details

The evening featured a lineup of warm-up comics, including Marshall Brandon, Cipha Sounds, and Donnell Rawlings, before Chappelle took the stage. He was joined by an all-star cast of Bay Area hip-hop artists, including Sway, P-Lo, Goapele, Too $hort, and E-40, as well as Atlanta rapper T.I. Chappelle's set included a mix of new material and familiar bits, with the comedian touching on topics like transgender people, Somalians, and Jewish people, as well as celebrity anecdotes about Will Smith, Chris Rock, and Kanye West.

  • Chappelle decamped to San Francisco in the mid-2000s after quitting his Comedy Central show.
  • Chappelle's recent Netflix special 'The Closer' drew significant backlash for its perceived anti-transgender rhetoric.
  • Chappelle's 'Unstoppable' Netflix special was released in December 2022.

The players

Dave Chappelle

A controversial comedian known for his edgy and provocative humor, who has had a long history with the San Francisco comedy scene.

Marshall Brandon

A warm-up comic who made jokes about AI-enabled sex dolls.

Cipha Sounds

A warm-up comic from New York's Hot 97 radio station who had a punchline about using dating apps in Australia.

Donnell Rawlings

A cast member on 'Chappelle's Show' who delivered one of the best Charlie Kirk jokes of the night.

Bill Burr

A comedian who delivered an insightful and vitriolic set that outshone the headliner, blasting Elon Musk for his Nazi salute.

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What they’re saying

“I lost everything, and I found myself in the bay.”

— Dave Chappelle

What’s next

It's unclear if the show at Chase Center will be released as a Netflix special, but Chappelle's recent specials have all aired on the streaming platform.

The takeaway

Despite the controversy surrounding Chappelle's comedy in recent years, the sold-out show at Chase Center demonstrates his continued popularity, even in a progressive city like San Francisco. The event also highlights the city's enduring status as a hub for comedy and entertainment, especially around major events like the Super Bowl.