Joe Rogan, Dave Chappelle team up to defy critics before sold-out New Orleans crowd

NEW ORLEANS – Joe Rogan and Dave Chappelle came together before a sold-out crowd in The Big Easy Thursday, teaming up for a joint event centered on mocking their critics and defying cancel culture.

Fans of both comedy stars filled the Smoothie King Center on the edge of New Orleans' French Quarter, with no intention to heed calls from some to shun them over their recent controversies. 

The two faced a swath of criticism in recent weeks stemming from Rogan's outspoken views against the coronavirus vaccine and in favor of certain treatments for the virus, and Chappelle's jokes about transgender people in his recently released Netflix special, "The Closer."

The star-studded lineup, which included comedians Donnell Rawlings, Jeff Ross and Tom Segura, culminated with both Rogan and Chappelle, while only appearing briefly on stage together, holding firm to their respective comedic styles and pressing forward with sharing the jokes and views that originally led to them being targeted by critics.