from wikipedia:
"
Season 3 turbulence
In a June 2004 stand-up performance in Sacramento, California, Chappelle walked off the stage after berating his audience for constantly shouting "I'm Rick James, bitch!," which became a catchphrase from the popular "Rick James sketch".
After a few minutes, Chappelle returned and continued by saying "The
show is ruining my life." He stated that he disliked working "20 hours
a day" and that the popularity of the show was making it difficult for
him to continue his stand-up career which was "the most important
thing" to him. He also told the audience:
“
You know why my show is
good? Because the network officials say you're not smart enough to get
what I'm doing, and every day I fight for you. I tell them how smart
you are. Turns out, I was wrong. You people are stupid.
[11]
”
Season 3 was scheduled to air on May 31st, 2005, but in May 2005,
Chappelle stunned fans and the entertainment industry when he abruptly
left during production of the third season of Chappelle's Show.
Chappelle has since stated that he was unhappy with the direction the
show had taken, claiming pressure from network executives regarding the
show's content. Chappelle left the United States to visit South Africa.
His decision to visit South Africa while leaving the public in the dark
regarding the details about his absence triggered reports of drug
problems. Chappelle gave an interview to Time Magazine's
South African bureau chief. Chappelle denied any drug or mental
problems but stated that his reasons for visiting South Africa were to
reflect on his life and career.
“
Coming here I don't have
the distractions of fame. It quiets the ego down. I'm interested in the
kind of person I've got to become. I want to be well rounded and the
industry is a place of extremes. I want to be well balanced. I've got
to check my intentions, man.
[12]"
