NETFLIX UNDER FIRE FOR DAVE CHAPPELLE’S ‘THE CLOSER’ SPECIAL
Netflix released Dave Chappelle’s comedy special, “The Closer,” on October 5. The special was among the most viewed programs on Netflix after its release, but it also came with some severe outrage. In the show, he joked about the LGBTQ. Community and refers to being trans as the gender equivalent of wearing blackface.
As a result, Netflix employees walked out of their workplace to participate in the “Stand Up in Solidarity” protest in response to Chappelle’s special. The movement was organized by activist Ashlee Marie Preston, gaining the support of many celebrities, creators, and public figures. A spokeswoman said Chappelle was invited but did not show, and Chappelle’s representatives deny all claims.
NETFLIX CEO RESPONDS:
Notably, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos writes an email to the company’s employees defending Chappelle’s show. The email read, “We’ve had these operating principles around pleasing our members and artistic expression for many years, and the team’s decision to put The Closer on our service was consistent with them. The variety and quality of our content is what members value most. Our hope is that you can be hugely inspired by entertaining the world, while also living with titles you strongly believe have no place on Netflix. This will not be the last title that causes some of you to wonder if you can still love Netflix. I sincerely hope that you can.”
Additionally, Netflix released a statement stating they fired the employee in charge of the protest for leaking data about “The Closer.”
“We have let go of an employee for sharing confidential, commercially sensitive information outside the company,” a Netflix spokesperson told The Verge. “We understand this employee may have been motivated by disappointment and hurt with Netflix, but maintaining a culture of trust and transparency is core to our company.”
The data leaked ended up in the press. Specifically, a Bloomberg report stated that more than 10 million people tuned into Dave’s show since its release. The media outlet also reported that Netflix increased the $23.6 million budget spent on Dave’s last special ‘Sticks & Stones’ to $24.1 million on ‘The Closer.’
DAVE CHAPPELLE RESPONDS:
Netflix is still supporting Dave’s work through the controversy. However, employees aren’t backing down. In good faith, Chappelle would be open to speaking with Netflix employees.
“Dave stands by his art: No more jokes about transgenders until we can all laugh together,” an unidentified representative told TMZ. “The streets are talking and Dave is listening. At some point, when everyone is open, I’m sure the communities will come together.”
