Patton Oswalt defends performing with Dave Chappelle after backlash over Netflix star's transgender comments

Patton Oswalt defended his decision to perform with embattled comedian Dave Chappelle on New Year’s Eve. 

The comedian shared in a post on Instagram that he was conducting his last show of 2021 at a venue in Seattle when he got a text from fellow stand-up and friend, Chappelle. Apparently, they were performing next door to each other so Chappelle invited him to come do a drop-in set. 

"Why not? I waved good-bye to this hell-year with a genius I started comedy with 34 years ago," Oswalt wrote. "He works an arena like he’s talking to one person and charming their skin off. Anyway, I ended the year with a real friend and a deep laugh. Can’t ask for much more."

Oswalt’s fans were conflicted over his kind words toward Chappelle given that he faces backlash over comments he made in his recent comedy special "The Closer."