Actor/Comedian Dave Chappelle has surfaced to combat rumors that he admitted himself to a mental facility in South Africa, a story first reported in Entertainment Weekly magazine.
"I’m not crazy, I’m not smoking crack," Chappelle told Time magazine in an interview a little over a week after Comedy Central indefinitely suspended his sketch comedy, Chappelle’s Show, originally scheduled to debut May 31 for its third season.
"I’m not in a mental facility," said Chappelle. "I’m definitely stressed out."
Chappelle, 31, said he actually traveled to South Africa for a spiritual retreat, though his agent and publicist knew nothing of his whereabouts.
The comedian also refuted claims that he was grappling with drug problems.
Chappelle revealed that he left because he was displeased with the direction of his popular show.
"There’s a lot of resistance to my opinions, so I decided, ‘Let me remove myself from this situation,"’ said Chappelle. "If you don’t have the right people around you, and you’re moving at a million miles an hour, you can lose yourself."
Comedy Central president Doug Herzog told Time that Chappelle has "complete creative freedom" with the show.
While Chappelle said he hopes to return and get his show underway, the comedian did not specify when or reveal a timetable.
Comedy Central reportedly signed Chappelle’s Show for a $50 million deal for two more seasons.