Comedian Dave Chappelle’s show at a renowned venue in Minnesota was cancelled hours before he took to the stage amid controversy over his material.

First Avenue in Minneapolis apologized to its artists, staff, and community following a backlash on social media over the booking of Chappelle.

The venue acknowledged in a statement that it was “meaningful beyond our walls” and needed to hold itself “to the highest standards."

It comes as Chappelle has faced criticism over transphobic comments in his stand-up special, The Closer.

First Avenue wrote on Instagram, "The Dave Chappelle show tonight at First Avenue has been cancelled and is moving to the Varsity Theater."

“To staff, artists, and our community, we hear you and we are sorry." We know we must hold ourselves to the highest standards, and we know we let you down.

“We are not just a black box with people in it, and we understand that First Avenue is not just a room, but meaningful beyond our walls."

“The First Avenue team and you have worked hard to make our venues the safest spaces in the country, and we will continue with that mission.