Dave Chappelle is back in the spotlight, and this time he’s taking aim at conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. In his new Netflix special, “The Unstoppable,” Chappelle made it very clear he doesn’t agree with people comparing Kirk to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a veteran and someone who’s seen real leadership under fire, I’ve got a few thoughts of my own on this.
Let’s start with what Chappelle actually said. He mocked the idea that Charlie Kirk is anything like Dr. King. Chappelle said, “Noooo he’s not. That’s a reach.” He pointed out that while both men were shot in the neck—Kirk survived an assassination attempt earlier this year—that’s about where the similarities end in his view. Chappelle called Kirk a “motherf***ing internet personality” and said that people online have to be negative to get attention.
Now here’s the thing. Chappelle’s a comedian. He says what he wants and doesn’t hold back. That’s part of what folks love about him. But when he talks about Charlie Kirk like he’s just some keyboard warrior trying to go viral, he’s missing some key facts. Kirk didn’t build his platform on TikTok dances or shallow hot takes. He built it by going directly to college campuses, holding rallies, and speaking face-to-face with young Americans. He’s been out there in the real world, not just behind a screen.
I’ve watched Charlie Kirk grow Turning Point USA into a powerful voice for conservative students. He’s out there challenging left-wing narratives that dominate our schools and universities. That takes guts. It’s not flashy internet fame—it’s boots-on-the-ground work. I respect that. And when someone survives an assassination attempt for speaking their mind, that’s not just an “internet personality.” That’s someone who’s willing to risk everything for what he believes.
Now, is Charlie Kirk the next Martin Luther King Jr.? That’s a heavy comparison. Dr. King was a giant in American history. He led peaceful marches in the face of brutal opposition. He had churches bombed, was jailed, and eventually gave his life fighting for civil rights. That’s a legacy that stands on its own. But here’s the problem—every time a conservative figure rises up and starts making waves, the left rushes to tear them down before they can even make a real impact. That’s what Chappelle’s doing here, whether he realizes it or not.
Chappelle argues that the internet breeds negativity. He’s not wrong. Social media is full of attention-seeking nonsense. But that doesn’t mean every voice on the right is just there to stir the pot. Kirk’s message isn’t about rage—it’s about freedom, traditional values, and strength in the face of cancel culture. That’s something our young people need more of, not less.
And let’s not forget, Chappelle himself has been targeted by the same cancel mob that goes after Kirk. He’s had Netflix employees walk out in protest. He’s been called every name in the book for daring to speak freely. So in some ways, they’re not as different as he thinks. Both men are standing up to the mob in their own ways.
At the end of the day, we don’t need to crown Charlie Kirk as the next Dr. King. But we should recognize the courage it takes to speak boldly in today’s America. When free speech is under attack and the left wants to silence anyone who doesn’t fall in line, voices like Kirk’s matter. And while comedians like Chappelle can make jokes, those of us who’ve fought for this country know that freedom isn’t a punchline—it’s a responsibility.
Chappelle’s got a right to speak his mind. So does Charlie Kirk. That’s what real freedom looks like. Let’s not lose sight of that.
