Uh-Oh Chapelle fans...

[LATrueRedskin]

Seems like we'll have to wait even longer...

Yahoo! (http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/20050504/en_tv_eo/16484_1115248187)

[tbfoster1]

Seems like we'll have to wait even longer...

Yahoo! (http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/20050504/en_tv_eo/16484_1115248187)


Whhhaaaat?.......I'm getting tired of watching re runs over and over,I'm ready for the new stuff

[ShaggySkins]

That sucks!
Atleast the 2nd season is out on DVD at the end of May

[LATrueRedskin]

That sucks!
Atleast the 2nd season is out on DVD at the end of May

But thats not going to do it. I've seen both seasons so many times, I'm dying to see some new stuff.

[whitskins]

This actually doesn't surprise me, when you think about the earlier seasons, lots of the best skits had obviously been kicking around in Chapelle's head for a long time. Now he signs a MASSIVE deal and a group of people have to create skits just as good but on a much, much shorter timeline, that's really difficult.

I wouldn't be surprised whatsoever if their new ideas just weren't funny and need a big re-tool.

[Carmelo]

That sucks!
Atleast the 2nd season is out on DVD at the end of May
Read further. It says the release of the second season dvd has been cancelled as well. They want the release to coincide with the start of season three so the dvd won't be coming out either.

[Spence]

Dave Chapelle has urged his legions of fans to be patient and smoke marijuana until he is ready to present the comedy show the public has come to love and expect.

[RedskinRyan]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh this sucks

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[RedskinsDave]

It's like he signed with HBO afterall. They love to put out a great show and then make you wait 2 years for the follow up season.

[Spence]

I'm told by someone who works on The Chapelle Show that the big problem is that Chapelle himself is out of his gourd. Apparently, he is seriously stoned all the time, not just the distant buzz you see him with on the show. His behavior has become extremely erratic and he's incapable of doing any real work right now--and this has been the case for some time.

The ghosts of John Belushi and Chris Farley are rattling their chains.

[BurgundyNGold]

The ghosts of John Belushi and Chris Farley are rattling their chains.
Cocaine, Spence. That's what killed those two, not marijuana. Terrible "Reefer Madness"-esque, out of place reference. The only guy who's in danger of dropping dead in the Chappelle equation is the Domino's pizza delivery guy.

[akhhorus]

I'm told by someone who works on The Chapelle Show that the big problem is that Chapelle himself is out of his gourd. Apparently, he is seriously stoned all the time, not just the distant buzz you see him with on the show. His behavior has become extremely erratic and he's incapable of doing any real work right now--and this has been the case for some time.

The ghosts of John Belushi and Chris Farley are rattling their chains.

Re-watch the first season, there are some episodes where he looks like Rick James, he's so high.

[Spence]

Cocaine, Spence. That's what killed those two, not marijuana. Terrible "Reefer Madness"-esque, out of place reference. The only guy who's in danger of dropping dead in the Chappelle equation is the Domino's pizza delivery guy.Your information is far superior to mine. My insider only told me that Chapelle is acting far more erratically than normal and seems to have a bigger problem with drugs than before. My insider did not tell me that only marijuana was involved. You obviously have been given information that Chapelle is only using marijuana. What else did your source tell you?

[BurgundyNGold]

Your information is far superior to mine. My insider only told me that Chapelle is acting far more erratically than normal and seems to have a bigger problem with drugs than before. My insider did not tell me that only marijuana was involved. You obviously have been given information that Chapelle is only using marijuana. What else did your source tell you?
To invest in pork bellies and orange juice futures :D

It's pretty well know that Dave like to smoke pot, but he's never been into those other things. Unless... have you been taking to my source??? That rumor whore.

[Spence]

It's pretty well know that Dave like to smoke pot, but he's never been into those other things. Unless... have you been taking to my source??? That rumor whore.Where did you hear that Chapelle never uses drugs aside from marijuana? It's well-known he uses pot, but I've never heard that he doesn't use anything else. In any case, if he is only using marijuana and he's as incoherent and unstable as my source is telling me, he must be using so much of it that he's unable to work. I suppose almost anything, even marijuana, could cripple a person if taken to excess. I've never used marijuana myself, but those who have compared its effects to alcohol. Surely we can see how excessive alcohol abuse could lead someone to be unable to function. I would think the same applies to marijuana.

[RedskinsDave]

Nooo, people who use marijuana never use other drugs. It's not a gateway drug. It's harmless.

[Spence]

Nooo, people who use marijuana never use other drugs. It's not a gateway drug. It's harmless.Welll, that's my point. Chapelle uses pot. Why should we assume he uses no other narcotics? And if my source is correct, his behavior leads one to conclude that he is either using stronger drugs than marijuana or he's using so much marijuana that it amounts to the same thing, as far as his ability to perform as a human being.

[BurgundyNGold]

Where did you hear that Chapelle never uses drugs aside from marijuana?
He's said it himself. Plus, unlike the other 2 people you mentioned, he is married with children. Not that he couldn't do other drugs under those conditions, but I doubt he would still be married if he had coke problems.

I suppose almost anything, even marijuana, could cripple a person if taken to excess.
Absolutely. Overuse of marijuana, if nothing else, saps your ambition. That' why they say "When the ritual becomes habitual, it's time to quit".

I've never used marijuana myself, but those who have compared its effects to alcohol. Surely we can see how excessive alcohol abuse could lead someone to be unable to function. I would think the same applies to marijuana.
People who compare marijuana to alcohol have never smoked marijuana. Those accounts is inaccurate.

[BurgundyNGold]

Nooo, people who use marijuana never use other drugs. It's not a gateway drug. It's harmless.
I thought you were smart enough to discount Nancy Reagan's propaganda.

[Spence]

He's said it himself. Plus, unlike the other 2 people you mentioned, he is married with children. Not that he couldn't do other drugs under those conditions, but I doubt he would still be married if he had coke problems.Chapelle has said he uses no other drugs than pot. I've heard that. However, drug users lie just as anyone else does. He'd have a reason to lie, too, since casual marijuana users rarely attract police attention, while cocaine user often attract police attention. A rich celebrity can admit to marijuana usage without fear of a police crackdown. No rich celebrity [or anyone else] admits to a cocaine habit. The consequences are too severe.

People who compare marijuana to alcohol have never smoked marijuana. Those accounts is inaccurate.Well, I can assure you the people who made that comparison [old college buddies of mine] have used both alcohol and marijuana. Perhaps the drug affects you differently than it does them.

[BurgundyNGold]

Welll, that's my point. Chapelle uses pot. Why should we assume he uses no other narcotics? And if my source is correct, his behavior leads one to conclude that he is either using stronger drugs than marijuana or he's using so much marijuana that it amounts to the same thing, as far as his ability to perform as a human being.
There's a big difference between pot smokers and other drug abusers. For persistent pot smokers, it's a part of the day. They get home from work/school/whatever, they make dinner, maybe have some friends over and smoke a little. That's it. Cocaine is a party drug. You don't sit home and do it and, being addictive, it can really have an impact.

That said, too much of anything can certainly affect anyone looking to do more than just go to work every day at the Safeway, which may be happening to Dave.

Perhaps it's the pressure of a $50M contract is getting to him. Who knows?

[BurgundyNGold]

Chapelle has said he uses no other drugs than pot. I've heard that. However, drug users lie just as anyone else does. He'd have a reason to lie, too, since casual marijuana users rarely attract police attention, while cocaine user often attract police attention. A rich celebrity can admit to marijuana usage without fear of a police crackdown. No rich celebrity [or anyone else] admits to a cocaine habit. The consequences are too severe.
I don't know why he would admit to one but not another. I mean, why admit to any?

[RedskinsDave]

I don't know why he would admit to one but not another. I mean, why admit to any?

Because getting high is part of his routine now. He uses it as a joke. You can do that with pot. You can't do that with coke or heroin.

[Spence]

I don't know why he would admit to one but not another. I mean, why admit to any?Yeah, I think Dave's right. Firstly, he uses the pot stuff in his act. People find it funny. Because of the devastation left in the wake of the crack wars of the late 1980s and early 1990s, few people laugh at cocaine. Secondly, he would admit to the pot use because it is so obvious. His public behavior would lead one to conclude that he either smokes pot or he has a neurological disorder.

[Spence]

There's a big difference between pot smokers and other drug abusers. For persistent pot smokers, it's a part of the day. They get home from work/school/whatever, they make dinner, maybe have some friends over and smoke a little. That's it. Cocaine is a party drug. You don't sit home and do it and, being addictive, it can really have an impact.Well, I suspect Chapelle goes to a lot of parties. I'm sure he's invited to them, so if cocaine is a party drug, he'd have access to it and opportunity to use it. And as for cocaine really having an impact, perhaps we are seeing evidence of that right now.

Perhaps it's the pressure of a $50M contract is getting to him. Who knows?That sounds plausible, which would help explain increased drug usage. Still, I know I'd take my chances with a $50 million contract.

[BurgundyNGold]

Well, I suspect Chapelle goes to a lot of parties. I'm sure he's invited to them, so if cocaine is a party drug, he'd have access to it and opportunity to use it. And as for cocaine really having an impact, perhaps we are seeing evidence of that right now.

That sounds plausible, which would help explain increased drug usage. Still, I know I'd take my chances with a $50 million contract.
Alleged.

[BurgundyNGold]

Yeah, I think Dave's right. Firstly, he uses the pot stuff in his act. People find it funny. Because of the devastation left in the wake of the crack wars of the late 1980s and early 1990s, few people laugh at cocaine. Secondly, he would admit to the pot use because it is so obvious. His public behavior would lead one to conclude that he either smokes pot or he has a neurological disorder.
:lol1:

[RedskinRyan]

i'd say its very possible for dave to be using other drugs, but i dont think its the case, or i atleast hope it isnt. i can picture him being burned out all of the time though, cause if i was making that kind of money, i'd probably be in the same boat as him. if dave were just high all the time, it wouldnt really affect his ability, but after the high goes away, there's not a whole lot of ambition to do anything.

to me, being drunk and being high are different. i havent been drunk for awhile, so i cant comment on that. but high is like, no worries unless your paranoid. everything goes away, and everything is funny. i've had mood swings while drunk, but not high.

[Spence]

:lol1:Well, I didn't want to be cruel, but... :)

[BurgundyNGold]

Well, I didn't want to be cruel, but... :)
I know. I generally don'y laugh at neurological disorders, but I knew what you meant ;)

[rskinsfan10]

I'm told by someone who works on The Chapelle Show that the big problem is that Chapelle himself is out of his gourd. Apparently, he is seriously stoned all the time, not just the distant buzz you see him with on the show. His behavior has become extremely erratic and he's incapable of doing any real work right now--and this has been the case for some time.

The ghosts of John Belushi and Chris Farley are rattling their chains.
I believe this to be true. I know a few folks that are very up to speed with Dave and what I'm hearing is not good at all.

[BurgundyNGold]

I believe this to be true. I know a few folks that are very up to speed with Dave and what I'm hearing is not good at all.
You mean that he's seriously stoned off of marijuana or something harder? Spence and I were wondering if it might be more than his pot smoking.

[redskin_rich]

You mean that he's seriously stoned off of marijuana or something harder? Spence and I were wondering if it might be more than his pot smoking.
I hope he doesn't screw everything up, I love his show and his standup plus he is a local.
I couldn't help but thinking about a parallel between Tyrone Biggums having his $50 grand crack party and Chappelle getting $50 million deal and having bales of pot brought in for a party.

[BurgundyNGold]

I hope he doesn't screw everything up, I love his show and his standup plus he is a local.
I couldn't help but thinking about a parallel between Tyrone Biggums having his $50 grand crack party and Chappelle getting $50 million deal and having bales of pot brought in for a party.
Ha! Dave would set up huge bonfires out in the Shenandoah that would drive west and get the whole region stoned!

[rskinsfan10]

You mean that he's seriously stoned off of marijuana or something harder? Spence and I were wondering if it might be more than his pot smoking.I'm hearing the weed is a huge part of the problem. My understanding is alot of what's going on will come to light publically real soon. I didn't read the link provided so i don't know if this was in the story, but from what I've heard, there is a very good chance that we all have seen the last of Dave and his show. What I'm saying isn't concrete, but it is the vibe that I'm getting from those that are not far from "the know".

[akhhorus]

I'm hearing the weed is a huge part of the problem. My understanding is alot of what's going on will come to light publically real soon. I didn't read the link provided so i don't know if this was in the story, but from what I've heard, there is a very good chance that we all have seen the last of Dave and his show. What I'm saying isn't concrete, but it is the vibe that I'm getting from those that are not far from "the know".

Viacom will be coming for their money back soon then.

[BurgundyNGold]

I'm hearing the weed is a huge part of the problem. My understanding is alot of what's going on will come to light publically real soon. I didn't read the link provided so i don't know if this was in the story, but from what I've heard, there is a very good chance that we all have seen the last of Dave and his show. What I'm saying isn't concrete, but it is the vibe that I'm getting from those that are not far from "the know".
Wow. Not good, Dave. Plus, so many people love his show. The guy is a comedy genius.

[rskinsfan10]

Viacom will be coming for their money back soon then.
Part of what I've heard is that is a definite if things continue to go down the current path.

[LATrueRedskin]

I'm hearing the weed is a huge part of the problem. My understanding is alot of what's going on will come to light publically real soon. I didn't read the link provided so i don't know if this was in the story, but from what I've heard, there is a very good chance that we all have seen the last of Dave and his show. What I'm saying isn't concrete, but it is the vibe that I'm getting from those that are not far from "the know".

Boy, that'll be a downer. The article doesn't mention anything like that. They have already drastically delayed even finishing the episodes, so there definately is a huge problem going on, and it's most definately with Dave. I wouldn't be surprised if Dave is on something harsher than weed.

[akhhorus]

Part of what I've heard is that is a definite if things continue to go down the current path.

Wow. Chappelle chooses weed over 50 million dollars(and more later on). Sad.

[akhhorus]

Boy, that'll be a downer. The article doesn't mention anything like that. They have already drastically delayed even finishing the episodes, so there definately is a huge problem going on, and it's most definately with Dave. I wouldn't be surprised if Dave is on something harsher than weed.

Well, the 3rd season was supposedly to debut in mid Feburary. Then it was delayed to mid/late March, then mid/late april, then mid/late May. Now, who knows. At least the Sopranos are starting to film the next season...

[BurgundyNGold]

Well, the 3rd season was supposedly to debut in mid Feburary. Then it was delayed to mid/late March, then mid/late april, then mid/late May. Now, who knows. At least the Sopranos are starting to film the next season...
Isn't that supposed to be the final Sopranos season?

[LATrueRedskin]

Well, the 3rd season was supposedly to debut in mid Feburary. Then it was delayed to mid/late March, then mid/late april, then mid/late May. Now, who knows. At least the Sopranos are starting to film the next season...

And they're not even close to being done it seems. Boy how this thing escaladed. When I first heard about it, they said the crew was having problems coming up with new material. Which is understandable because it'll be tough to top what they've done in the past. Then it was that Chappelle was "ill." That's understandable, too. But now its seems he could be going down the same line as Farely and Beluschi.

[BurgundyNGold]

And they're not even close to being done it seems. Boy how this thing escaladed. When I first heard about it, they said the crew was having problems coming up with new material. Which is understandable because it'll be tough to top what they've done in the past. Then it was that Chappelle was "ill." That's understandable, too. But now its seems he could be going down the same line as Farely and Beluschi.
Maybe a career equivalent of an overdose, but not a real one. He'd have to eat 10 pounds of weed to overdose. That's a lot of veggies.

[LATrueRedskin]

Maybe a career equivalent of an overdose, but not a real one. He'd have to eat 10 pounds of weed to overdose. That's a lot of veggies.

I'm talking about cocaine. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he's moved on to stronger, more lethal drugs.

[BurgundyNGold]

I'm talking about cocaine. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he's moved on to stronger, more lethal drugs.
Maybe, but I didn't get that impression from Kenny who's a bit closer to the situation than I am. He implied that weed is the problem. Man, if it was the case, he would ironically be dealing marijuana legalization initiative a lethal blow with his "Marijuana is bad (mmmkay?)" poster child behavior.

[akhhorus]

Isn't that supposed to be the final Sopranos season?

I beleive they were saying that about season 5. Who knows. As long as David Chase is there, the show goes on.

[LATrueRedskin]

Maybe, but I didn't get that impression from Kenny who's a bit closer to the situation than I am. He implied that weed is the problem. Man, if it was the case, he would ironically be dealing marijuana legalization initiative a lethal blow with his "Marijuana is bad (mmmkay?)" poster child behavior.

Well, a lot of times you find out a person's on cocaine after he or she died. Or maybe his close friends know he's on it and don't want to spread it around.

[BurgundyNGold]

Well, a lot of times you find out a person's on cocaine after he or she died. Or maybe his close friends know he's on it and don't want to spread it around.
I don't know how close a friend they could be to let that happen to him, but I see where you;re coming from. I hope that's not the case.

[Carmelo]

I'm talking about cocaine. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he's moved on to stronger, more lethal drugs.
i doubt that seriously. If you grew up like he grew up, seeing the things we've seen, cocaine wouldn't happen. I'm pretty sure dave doesn't do coke.

[RedskinRyan]

i doubt that seriously. If you grew up like he grew up, seeing the things we've seen, cocaine wouldn't happen. I'm pretty sure dave doesn't do coke.

honestly, i'd like to believe that. the way he talks about people on crack on his show and on 'killing them softly", i'd like to believe he wouldnt go down that path.

[LATrueRedskin]

i doubt that seriously. If you grew up like he grew up, seeing the things we've seen, cocaine wouldn't happen. I'm pretty sure dave doesn't do coke.

Sadly, it happens all the time. I've seen it happen to people I know as well. I doubt it too, but it's a possibility.

[akhhorus]

This from Newsweek/MSNBC

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7773670/site/newsweek/
(some highlights)
Two weeks after our visit, however, Chappelle's publicist disclosed that the star was halting production on the series, canceling magazine commitments and indefinitely delaying the start of the third season. The stated cause: "intense personal issues." The season premiere was soon rescheduled for May 31. But just last Wednesday, Chappelle and Comedy Central jointly announced that production had been halted—and the season premiere indefinitely postponed—yet again. The need for this latest delay, which was announced less than 24 hours after a network presentation to advertisers, evidently took Comedy Central by surprise. The channel had aired promotional spots for the May 31 premiere the previous night.

What's going on with Dave? Published explanations for the ini-tial delay ranged from a nasty flu bug to "walking pneumonia" to writer's block. According to friends of Chappelle's interviewed by NEWSWEEK, however, the real cause of all the turmoil is more complicated. Since last summer, when Chappelle signed a staggering deal with Comedy Central worth up to $50 million to produce two more seasons of the show, friends say he's been worn down by a toxic combination of too much pressure, too much partying—and a creative rift with the network.


He enjoyed a fierce bidding war for his services, which Comedy Central retained over NBC and the FX Network. The $50 million deal transformed Chappelle from a funny guy with a decade's worth of false starts to the hottest comedian in America. He wasn't prepared. "I saw him start trippin' when the buzz started to get real loud," says one celebrity friend. "I think he was in shock after the first season, and then [during] the second, it hit him that he was the man. That freaked him. And then came the pressure of living up to expectations for the third season. He's never been there—where something's so good and you got to come even stronger the next time. It was too much." The partying apparently made things worse. "Everyone knows Dave likes to have fun," says a music-industry pal. "I wouldn't say it's out of control ... but at some point that has to affect you if you've got a regular gig."

Neither Chappelle's publicist, Matt Labov, nor Comedy Central's spokespeople are offering any explanation for the latest delay. Labov denies that his client has a drug problem. And a source close to Chappelle believes this latest stoppage is more about the show itself than the health of its star. Eager to top his previous work, Chappelle wants to push the racial envelope even further in the third season—and network executives, according to this source, are afraid he's crossing the line.

[redskin_rich]

Neither Chappelle's publicist, Matt Labov, nor Comedy Central's spokespeople are offering any explanation for the latest delay. Labov denies that his client has a drug problem. And a source close to Chappelle believes this latest stoppage is more about the show itself than the health of its star. Eager to top his previous work, Chappelle wants to push the racial envelope even further in the third season—and network executives, according to this source, are afraid he's crossing the line.
I don't buy that for a second, how do you cross the line on a network that shows the uncut South Park movie every other week?

[akhhorus]

I don't buy that for a second, how do you cross the line on a network that shows the uncut South Park movie every other week?

Hmm. good question, but if he's really going over the top with racial stuff, I could see them getting nervous. Who knows if any of it is true.

[Vonslydog]

More info on the Chapelle story....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/tv_chappelle_suspended
He's in a mental health facility in South Africa apparently.

[BurgundyNGold]

More info on the Chapelle story....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/tv_chappelle_suspended
He's in a mental health facility in South Africa apparently.
That sounds like Betty Ford east to me. Waaaaay east.

[redskin_rich]

More info on the Chapelle story....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/tv_chappelle_suspended
He's in a mental health facility in South Africa apparently.
South Africa, hmmm....must have been that Ganja that sent him over the edge.

[LATrueRedskin]

WOW this is extremely odd...

[BurgundyNGold]

I hope Kenny weighs in on this latest development.

[whistleandthumb]

Here's more on Chappelle going to the hospital in South Africa:

http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,1059677_10_0_,00.html

[akhhorus]

South Africa?

[LATrueRedskin]

South Africa?

That's what I'm saying. And he's apparently been there for a while. I wonder why he chose South Africa. This is getting weirder and weirder.

[Santheb]

Maybe Dave and Ricky are hanging out a little too much :(

[Chief Redskin]

Do you think this is some sort of a hoax?? How come nobody knows for sure where C-Pell is? Why would he leave $50 million on the table without telling anyone that he was going to South Africa? Has he ever had a mental illness in the past?

This is devastating; my two favorite shows are on hold. My other show is Curb Your Enthusiasm.

[akhhorus]

Do you think this is some sort of a hoax?? How come nobody knows for sure where C-Pell is? Why would he leave $50 million on the table without telling anyone that he was going to South Africa? Has he ever had a mental illness in the past?

This is devastating; my two favorite shows are on hold. My other show is Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Interesting thought. As a publicity stunt? Maybe.

[Chief Redskin]

Interesting thought. As a publicity stunt? Maybe.


Maybe it is a publicity stunt. I think he is releasing his season 2 DVD on May 24th? Not sure though. If that is the case, these recent events will certainly help his sales and I think Comedy Central makes a Big chunk of their profits from Chappelle through the DVD sales.

[Spence]

I doubt it is a publicity stunt. Not a very good one if it is. He's been at this "relaxation center" since April and it is only being reported now? That's pretty lousy publicity, if you ask me. The point of publicity is to get noticed and he didn't get noticed in this facility for weeks.

The dude is screwed up right now.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

i guess its a case of too much money and too much fame, too quickly. its kind of strange whats going on, but i hope he gets himself straightened out.

[GMUskinsfan]

i heard a rumor that he walked off the set after differences with other writers and/or producers of the show apparently they wanted certain things either done a different way or toned down this season. Just a rumor, either way i pray for the return of chappelle, and whoever (chief redskin i believe?) posted the thing about curb your enthusiasm you are genuis sir that show is amazing.

[LATrueRedskin]

I doubt it is a publicity stunt. Not a very good one if it is. He's been at this "relaxation center" since April and it is only being reported now? That's pretty lousy publicity, if you ask me. The point of publicity is to get noticed and he didn't get noticed in this facility for weeks.

The dude is screwed up right now.

Not to mention that the season is cancelled most definately. They wouldn't do a publicity stunt for a show that won't even air.

[akhhorus]

More on the Chappelle mess:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-chappelle14may14,0,2559386.story?coll=la-home-business

Late last month, comic Dave Chappelle called his bosses at the Viacom Inc.-owned cable network Comedy Central with some distressing news. He had suddenly decided to quit "Chappelle's Show," the enormously popular sketch series that has made him a $50-million star and a household name among young fans of his outrageous spoofs and impersonations.

The reasons were murky, and network President Doug Herzog stayed on the line for a long time, working hard to turn his star around. Days later, Chappelle relented and said he'd stay after all, according to two sources familiar with the situation.

But then matters unraveled entirely. Chappelle, who failed to report to work April 29, fled to South Africa and mysteriously cut off contact at least temporarily with some of his family members and closest advisors, according to sources inside Comedy Central and close to Chappelle. The following week, the network announced that the third-season premiere of its No. 2 show (after "South Park") would be postponed indefinitely.

"It's crushing on a lot of levels," Herzog said in a phone interview Friday. "There's no question about it, he was the hottest thing on the network…. It's tough to lose your big power hitter like that."

Clearly, Chappelle's disappearing act comes at a bad time for Comedy Central, which has been piling up record ratings and counting on fresh Chappelle episodes to help launch a full slate of new programs this summer. Now, executives can't say when — or even if — "Chappelle's Show" will return.

The 31-year-old Chappelle, like many performers, has been known to reschedule tapings at the last minute and engage in other unpredictable behavior, Herzog said. But his abrupt and unexplained departure left virtually everyone close to the comic baffled.

"He's never just dropped off the face of the planet like this," Herzog said.

Chappelle's publicist, Matt Labov, declined to comment but confirmed certain details for this article.

[RedskinsDave]

I sure hope he's getting some good weed down there. I feel so bad for people who get multi-million dollar contract and can't handle the pressure. Nah, no I don't.

[akhhorus]

Chappelle did an interview with Time magazine in South Africa set to run soon saying that he's not in rehab, not in a mental institution; just he didn't like what he was doing for 50 million and problems with the people around him and needed to put a stop to things.

[RedskinRyan]

almost like the ricky williams of comedy. if he had done this like way before they were talking about a 3rd season, then it'd be fine.

[redskin_rich]

Chappelle did an interview with Time magazine in South Africa set to run soon saying that he's not in rehab, not in a mental institution; just he didn't like what he was doing for 50 million and problems with the people around him and needed to put a stop to things.
That just sounds to me that his agent is working up some spin control.

[natgbz]

You know, I think he should do what feels right. He has no debt to the public. He already gave us 2 great seasons. He does any more, I'll enjoy them, but the work of a creative mind is at their discretion, and they have the right to release their works when and if they see fit. I just hope he becomes that hero in his story that everyone strives to be. That's my 2 cents.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

Chappelle did an interview with Time magazine in South Africa set to run soon saying that he's not in rehab, not in a mental institution; just he didn't like what he was doing for 50 million and problems with the people around him and needed to put a stop to things.
it looks like the panic was a bit premature. in this interview, dave dispels the rumors of him checking into a nut house and abusing drugs.

The first thing Chappelle wants is to dispel rumors—that he's got a drug problem, that he's checked into a mental institution in Durban—that have been flying around the U.S. for the past week. He says he is staying with a friend, Salim Domar, and not in a mental institution, as has been widely reported in America. Chappelle says he is in South Africa to find "a quiet place" for a while. "Let me tell you the things I can do here which I can't at home: think, eat, sleep, laugh. I'm an introspective dude. I enjoy my own thoughts sometimes. And I've been doing a lot of thinking here."

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1061415,00.html

[Spence]

This talk Chapelle's people are putting out that he's delayed the new season because of quality issues is laughable. If you're concerned about bad writing you get together with your writers [or a new team] and improve the product. What you don't do in that case is run off to a "relaxation clinic" in South Africa.

By the way, could we still call it a "relaxation clinic" if Liza Minelli checked in tomorrow?

[PyroGenic]

I think that the sudden popularity has gotten to him. Before the show he was an underappreciated hilarious guy. Now everybody knows him and knows that he's funny and he doesn't know how to deal with it. Also heard that a lot of famous people were offended (R. Kelly) and give him a lot of crap. I know it doesn't sound like much but I can see how all this happening over the course of a few months can take a toll on somebody.

[bfauble83]

I've only seen 1 episode of his show, I just ordered season 1 on amazon for 13.50...not a bad price.

[LATrueRedskin]

This talk Chapelle's people are putting out that he's delayed the new season because of quality issues is laughable. If you're concerned about bad writing you get together with your writers [or a new team] and improve the product. What you don't do in that case is run off to a "relaxation clinic" in South Africa.

By the way, could we still call it a "relaxation clinic" if Liza Minelli checked in tomorrow?

I agree. And Chapelle has jokes for days and days. There's no problem with him coming up with stuff for sketches. The real world is giving him too much material.

[Spence]

The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, out today, has this:Chapelle's Show is unlikely to return. Staffers are looking for new jobs, and wondering what happened to their $50 million man.

[akhhorus]

The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, out today, has this:

Wow. Well, its always better to be the bigger has-been than the biggest never-was.

[Spence]

Wow. Well, its always better to be the bigger has-been than the biggest never-was.Your constant attacks on John Stamos have not gone unnoticed, mister!

[LATrueRedskin]

The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, out today, has this:

WOW indeed. Can't believe Chapelle did this.