Boebert Defends Transgender Joke Claims Against Chappelle

The Colorado congresswoman pushes back on the comedian's criticism over 'weaponized' use of his material.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a microphone and gavel in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conceptually representing the clash between comedy and politics.A fractured, colorful painting captures the collision of comedy and politics, as a microphone and gavel symbolize the ongoing tension between free speech and political messaging.NYC Today

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., is responding to comedian Dave Chappelle's accusation that Republicans have 'weaponized' his transgender jokes for political purposes. Boebert denies misusing Chappelle's material and defends a viral photo she posted with the comedian and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, suggesting there are 'only two genders.' Chappelle had criticized Boebert and other lawmakers for requesting photos with him at the Capitol and then using the images for political messaging.

Why it matters

The clash between Boebert and Chappelle highlights the ongoing tensions between comedy, politics, and the treatment of transgender issues. Chappelle has faced significant backlash for his transgender-themed jokes, which critics have deemed transphobic, while Boebert has a history of introducing legislation targeting transgender policies. This dispute underscores the broader cultural debates around free speech, comedy, and the rights of marginalized communities.

The details

In an NPR interview, Chappelle accused Republicans of 'weaponizing' his transgender jokes for political gain. He specifically criticized Boebert, saying she requested a photo with him during a Capitol visit in 2023 and then posted it with a caption referencing 'two genders,' which he argued turned him into a political prop. Boebert has pushed back, denying she used Chappelle's jokes and defending her post as 'stating facts.' She also called transgender identity 'a joke' and argued that as a public figure, Chappelle should be used to public commentary.

  • In November 2023, Boebert, Chappelle, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna posed for a photo at the U.S. Capitol.
  • On April 16, 2026, Chappelle criticized Boebert and other Republicans for 'weaponizing' his transgender jokes in an NPR interview.
  • Also on April 16, 2026, Boebert responded to Chappelle's criticism, defending her social media post and her stance on transgender issues.

The players

Lauren Boebert

A Republican congresswoman from Colorado who has introduced legislation targeting transgender policies and defended her social media post suggesting there are 'only two genders.'

Dave Chappelle

A renowned comedian who has faced significant backlash for incorporating jokes about transgender people into his stand-up routines, including in his 2021 and 2023 Netflix specials.

Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican congresswoman who posed for a photo with Boebert and Chappelle at the U.S. Capitol in November 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I did not use Dave Chappelle's jokes. I was stating facts.”

— Lauren Boebert, Congresswoman

“I resent the way the Republican Party has used my jokes to attack the trans community.”

— Dave Chappelle, Comedian

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Chappelle will further address Boebert's comments or if the dispute will continue to escalate between the comedian and the congresswoman.

The takeaway

This clash between Boebert and Chappelle underscores the ongoing tensions between comedy, politics, and the rights of marginalized communities. It highlights the challenges of navigating free speech and political messaging, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like transgender identity.