Dave Chappelle Checks Into Mental Health Facility

[Guest NaturalBornThriller4:20]

NEW YORK - Comedy Central star Dave Chappelle has checked himself into a mental health facility in South Africa, the magazine Entertainment Weekly reported on Wednesday.

 

The comedian's whereabouts and condition have been unknown since Comedy Central abruptly announced last week that the planned May 31 launch of the third season of "Chappelle's Show" had been postponed and production halted.

 

Chappelle flew from Newark, N.J., to South Africa on April 28 for treatment, said the magazine, quoting a source close to the show it would not identify. Entertainment Weekly said it had corroborating sources for its story.

 

"We don't know where he is," Comedy Central spokesman Tony Fox said. "We've heard about South Africa. We don't know. We haven't talked to Dave."

 

Chappelle's spokesman, Matt Labov, would not comment on the magazine's story.

 

"It seems like the issues he's contending with are really quite serious," said Dade Hayes, a senior editor at Entertainment Weekly. "It isn't a case of him spending a weekend someplace recuperating from exhaustion."

 

The magazine's sources say Chappelle is still in the facility, which was not named, Hayes said. Chappelle's representatives have denied that the comedian was abusing drugs.

 

Chappelle reportedly signed a $50 million deal with Comedy Central for two more seasons of his show, a payday made possible because of the explosive sales of the show's first season DVD.

 

The magazine said Chappelle had shot four to five episodes' worth of sketches for the new season, but none of its onstage introductions.

 

Damn, this sucks.

 

I guess some people can't deal with the success. Having to live up to the hype of the 2nd season, being worth that $50 million contract.

 

Get well soon, Dave.

[Mole]

Woah, that really sucks.

 

Yes, get better Dave.

[DMann2003]

As he's a fellow resident of the Dayton area (well Yellow Springs anyway) I too hope he can get the rest he needs and takes whatever time he needs to get well mentally and physically- don't go all Richard Pryor on us Dave.

 

Still, it's be a pretty cunning way to get plublicity if this was a work by Dave (however I'm sure sadly it isn't).

[Ravenbomb]

oh, man, this won't end well

[CBright7831]

South Africa?!?!?!?!?!?

[MrRant]

As he's a fellow resident of the Dayton area (well Yellow Springs anyway) I too hope he can get the rest he needs and takes whatever time he needs to get well mentally and physically- don't go all Richard Pryor on us Dave.

 

Still, it's be a pretty cunning way to get plublicity if this was a work by Dave (however I'm sure sadly it isn't).

I don't know.... I'd laugh pretty hard if he sets himself on fire too.

[Jericholic82]

Damn I didnt know he had that much pressure. good thing he went for help though.

[Guest Vitamin X]

The ghost of Rick James has infected his mind.

[Myxamatosis]

To quote Dave (as Rick James), "They should've never gave (that) n***** money!"

[Youth N Asia]

I usually don't feel sorry for rich people in general, but I like Dave. TV show or no tv show, I hope he can get his shit together,

[razazteca]

So Nelson Mandela will not let Dave leave teh country?

[BifEverchad]

Wow, this does suck indeed.

 

I can only hope that Dave gets better.

 

He was one of the more interestingly funny people in the entertainemnt eye over the past couple of years.

[tominator89]

I'll never know the pressure the guy must be under to continue to be successful. I wish him well.

[Guest Evolution]

Seems like it won't be long before Dave ends up on a True Hollywood Story much like Rick James.

 

Hopefully he can bounce back from this though.

[Nevermortal]

Dave Chappelle is a pussy. Give the show to Charlie Murphy.

[CBright7831]

"Cocaine is a helluva drug."

 

Seriously, if I was walking down the street and some guy on the side saw me and ran across the street causing an eight care pile up just to say "I'M RICK JAMES, BITCH!" I would probably go insane.

[Carnival]

To quote Dave (as Rick James), "They should've never gave (that) n***** money!"

 

well played.

[Boner Kawanger]

The new issue of Entertainment Weekly says the staff has left the show and they are looking for work elsewhere. They go on to say the show probably won't return.

 

Take that for what it's worth.