Netflix CEO Continues Defense Of Dave Chapelle’s 'The Closer'

In defense of Dave Chappelle’s most recent Netflix comedy special, "The Closer," the online streaming platform and production company fired and reportedly suspended employees while also doubling down in their support for the comic.

There was an immediate backlash to Chappelle's stand-up comedy special for what many viewed as transphobic and homophobic rhetoric.

According to internal leaks provided to Bloomberg, the special costed more than the popular series "Squid Game." Netflix reportedly fired an employee suspected of leaking the internal documents to Bloomberg.

Verge reported that the fired employee also wanted to lead a trans resource group within Netflix and encouraged employees and allies to walk out on Oct. 20 in protest of the special. That walkout is still supposed to take place.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix also suspended a transgender employee who tried to join a call that was for directors and vice presidents only. The employee also posted a thread on Twitter, criticizing the company over its handling of Chappelle’s special.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos made a statement on Oct. 11 to employees in defense of Chappelle, which was posted in full by the Hollywood Reporter.

“Chappelle is one of the most popular stand-up comedians today, and we have a long-standing deal with him. His last special, Sticks & Stones, also controversial, is our most-watched, stickiest, and most award-winning stand-up special to date . . . We don’t allow titles on Netflix that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we don’t believe The Closer crosses that line . . .” the statement read.

Sarandos sent another memo on Oct. 13, available in full on Vulture, where again he name shows and people associated with Netflix he feels are examples of inclusion and diversity. He wanted people to know that Netflix is still a place where representing untold stories is a priority.

Stand-up comedian Hannah Gadsby, who has two specials on the platform, was cited by Sarandos as an example of inclusion and diversity.

In response, Gadsby posted to Instagram, “now I have to deal with even more of the hate and anger that Dave Chappelle's fans like to unleash on me every time Dave gets 20 million dollars to process his emotionally stunted partial world view . . . You didn't pay me nearly enough to deal with the real-world consequences of the hate speech dog-whistling you refuse to acknowledge, Ted.”

Netflix has stated that it will not remove Chappelle’s special.