First Avenue Cancels On Dave Chappelle After Twitter Backlash

MINNEAPOLIS — The First Avenue music venue in Minneapolis canceled comedian Dave Chappelle’s show Wednesday just hours before it was scheduled to begin.

It also issued an apology for scheduling the comedian in the first place.

First Avenue announced Chappelle's show Monday but saw backlash on Twitter over his past jokes about transgender people.

"To staff, artists, and our community, we hear you and we are sorry. We know we must hold ourselves to the highest standards, and we know we let you down," First Avenue posted on Twitter just after 4 p.m.

"We believe in diverse voices and the freedom of artistic expression, but in honoring that, we lost sight of the impact this would have."

The show was instead held Wednesday night at the Varsity Theater near the University of Minnesota campus.

"Attention Dave Chappelle Fans! The show scheduled for tonight at First Ave has now been moved to Varsity Theater," the venue announced. "Your tickets from First Ave will be honored."

The Varsity Theater was already scheduled to host Chappelle this week, and on Tuesday, announced the addition of two more shows "due to overwhelming demand."

Chappelle is now scheduled for five shows at the Varsity Theater.