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Comedian Dave Chappelle spoke with nearly 600 students at his alma mater Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday and didn’t exactly receive the warm welcome he was likely hoping for. Reactions are said to have been mixed.

His visit comes soon after the controversy sparked by his Netflix special, The Closer, which has been criticized for his remarks about the transgender community.

According to Politico, the comedian addressed students after a previously planned fundraiser scheduled for the same date was postponed due to threats of a student walkout.

The actor and comedian remained true to his stance throughout and did not apologize for the content of his comedy routine during a Q&A session after students questioned both the content of the special and his perceived lack of maturity in handling the backlash.

“I’m 16 and I think you’re childish, you handled it like a child,” said one student, as confirmed by two students as well as Chappelle’s rep Carla Sims.

The article implies that multiple students felt Chappelle mocked them by replying to their questions with jokes or laughter instead of responding to their concerns.

“My friend, with all due respect, I don’t believe you could make one of the decisions I have to make on a given day,” the comedian reportedly said.

Although it has been said that cameras were filming throughout Chappelle’s appearance, plans to release the recording have not been revealed. Students did not have access to their phones throughout the event as they were placed in sealed pouches upon entry.

“He said these kids deserve an F for forgiveness,” said Sims to the outlet, adding: “Give them some space to grow. They are going to say things that are immature.”

Chappelle has reportedly raised “hundreds of thousands of dollars” for the school and the fundraising event that has now been pushed to April 22 was set to bring in even more funds for a brand new theater to be named after Chappelle.

One student said that Chappelle was upset after hearing that some of the kids were being bullied for taking a stance against the comedian. “He said, ‘This is my family and whether they know it or not I love these kids. … I don’t want to hear about any threats to these kids. These kids don’t deserve that.’”

Despite some of the animosity towards Chappelle at the event, many of his teen fans expressed support. Chappelle also handed out tickets to every student in attendance, regardless of their stance, for a screening of his documentary Untitled that was held later that night and provided “600 Thanksgiving meals for students and staff.”

Michael is a music and television junkie keen on most things that are not a complete and total bore. You can follow him on Twitter — @Tweetskoor