Daphne Dorman, the trans comedian in Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special, has reportedly died by suicide
The image Daphne Dorman posted on Facebook, with a goodbye note. (Facebook)
Comedian Daphne Dorman, the trans woman who was referenced in Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special, has reportedly died by suicide.
Dorman, who lived in San Francisco, wrote a “goodbye” note on Facebook in the early hours of Friday morning (October 11).
Hours later, Becky Kugler, who identified herself as Dorman’s sister, confirmed that Dorman had died by suicide.
“It is with great sadness and despair to hand out this information,” Kugler said. “Sweet, sweet Daphne. I so wish we could all have helped you through your darkness. We’ll always love you, fly high sweet angel.”
Friends and family are mourning her tragic death.
“I’m heartbroken,” one person wrote. “Daphne was the most beautiful soul and heart and talent and kindness and generosity and beauty in the world. Sending you and all of Daphne’s family and everyone who loved Daphne, so much love right now.”
“Daphne, you will always be one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. I am sorry you were in so much pain. I’ll always remember you as the light you were. Sleep well my friend. I hope we meet again,” said another.
Another person said, “I am sorry that you were hurting and felt that you had to go through this alone. We met at a body positivity photo shoot and while I struggled to be ok exposing my half naked body, you gave me words of encouragement and told me I was beautiful inside and out.
“Then you made me laugh and told me to own my beauty. I feel like that is the kind of impact you made on others as well. I was just boasting about how I knew someone opening for Dave Chapelle and tried to get tickets!”
Chappelle’s August 26 Netflix special, Sticks & Stones, was criticised for making fun of trans people.
In the “hidden extra” of the special, Chappelle told a story about sparking an unlikely friendship with a trans woman who he said “was laughing the hardest” out of anyone at the trans jokes in his practice set.
Dorman confirmed on social media the same day that she was the trans woman Chappelle was referring to.
Daphne’s sister is raising money for her memorial service, and Daphne’s daughter, here.
If you are in the US and are having suicidal thoughts, suffering from anxiety or depression, or just want to talk, call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255. If you are in the UK, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.
