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Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., responded to criticism from comedian Dave Chappelle after he objected to a social media post featuring a photo of the two taken at the U.S. Capitol in 2023, as reported by Fox News.

The exchange stems from a photo Boebert took with Chappelle in November 2023. She later posted the image on Twitter with a caption that read, “Just three people who understand that there’s only two genders.”

The post also included Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla. The tweet has since been deleted.

Comedian Dave Chappelle Snaps Selfie with Lauren Boebert https://t.co/IHugqU2Wml

— The American Tribune (@TAmTrib) December 3, 2023

Chappelle addressed the incident during an interview earlier this week, saying he was uncomfortable with how the image was used.

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He described the encounter as part of a larger situation in which multiple people approached him for photos while he was on Capitol Hill.

“I was on Capitol Hill, and everybody ran up to take pictures with me from every congressional office. I didn’t ask how they vote or what their voting record is. And then here comes Lauren Boebert,” Chappelle recalled.

“And she said, ‘Can I get a picture?’ And I had already taken 40 pictures, I didn’t want to say no in front of everybody. … She instantly weaponized it — or politicized it. You should never do that to a person like me.”

Dave Chappelle: “Here comes Lauren Boebert, and she said, ‘Can I get a picture?’ And I’d already taken 40 pictures. I didn’t want to say no in front of everybody, but I didn’t know the phrase: ‘I respectfully decline.'”pic.twitter.com/5aE29hiBOm

— Joe Rogan Podcast News (@joeroganhq) April 15, 2026

In response, Boebert told Fox News Digital that she disagreed with Chappelle’s characterization and suggested he has already been part of public debates on the topic.

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“Dave Chappelle can have his little counseling session with NPR,” Boebert said, referencing the interview. “That’s fine. You know, I took a photo with 50 Cent, a lot of people, and posted about them. And none of them cried over it.”

Boebert said her post was consistent with her use of social media and noted that she has shared photos with other public figures without similar objections.

Chappelle has previously addressed transgender-related topics in several of his comedy specials, including “Sticks & Stones,” “Equanimity,” and “The Closer.”

His material on the subject has generated public discussion and differing reactions.

Boebert referenced that history in her response when asked whether she believed the post brought Chappelle into a political issue.

“I think he’s done that quite a bit, has he not?” Boebert said.

When asked if she believed the photo post had politicized the interaction, Boebert said she viewed the issue as one that warrants discussion.

“They’re castrating our children and destroying them, absolutely ruining their lives over it. In Colorado … we castrate bulls, not baby boys. OK? And that’s what it should be,” Boebert said.

Rep. Lauren Boebert is firing back at Dave Chappelle after the comedian blasted her for using a selfie they snapped together to “weaponize” his transgender jokes for political gain.

“I think transgenderism is a joke.” pic.twitter.com/zdiVKnd5d1— TMZ (@TMZ) April 16, 2026

The exchange highlights a broader dispute over how public figures engage with political and cultural topics, particularly when interactions are shared on social media platforms.

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