Dave Chappelle 'storms off stage' after 'catching fan using cell phone' during show

Dave Chappelle had clearly had enough after catching a fan using their cell phone during a show.

Comedian Chappelle is seemingly more popular than ever as he is still able to pack venues full of fans who want to see his comedic antics.

But the comedian has divided social media users after an alleged incident at his latest show.

During a gig Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, on Wednesday (December 27) Chappelle stormed off the stage after he caught a fan using their cell phone, according to the Miami Herald.

Before leaving the stage, Chappelle reportedly alerted security to the man, scolded the audience and left while shaking his head disapprovingly. It is not clear how much of the show was left when Chappelle left the stage.

For many of his shows in 2023, Chappelle has introduced a ‘no cell phone’ policy and patrons must accept the policy before buying tickets.

Guests are asked to put their phones in Yondr neoprene pouches before the show starts and are also given an oral warning ahead of the performance.

It makes sense, as a comedian your job is probably made infinitely harder if everyone has already seen a recording of your best jokes on their TikTok page.

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

For those wary of emergencies, the policy isn’t completely authoritarian. If you need to use your phone guests are asked to leave the room or risk being ejected by security.

On X, some users defended the comedian's decision to cut the show short while others were less than impressed.

“I saw Dave Chappelle at the Hard Rock tonight and he (rightfully so) dropped the mic and stormed off the stage. My favorite comedian ever, my first time seeing him I was so excited and some p****had to self-insert,” wrote one user.

“Why waste your money and time to go watch Dave only to try and record it lol the obsession with recording everything is f****** weird. Live in the moment and enjoy,” commented another.

“Respect the artist. Respect the rules! Just enjoy, be in the moment rather than worrying about capturing the moment,” another wrote.

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However, others remarked that this action was unfair on the many customers who abided by the rules.

“Why didn't they just kick the offender out if the Venue instead if punishing the other 6,999 fans. I think that was moronic by Chappell,” wrote one X user.

“Why others are being punished? Why can’t they remove the person who has the phone,” commented another.

UNILAD has reached out to Chappelle's reps for comment.