BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Netflix transgender employees and allies call for walkout after Dave Chappelle jokes

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

Testing widget old system

Lorenzo shared

(NewsNation Now) — Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix comedy special, “The Closer,” is drawing as many protests as laughs over its treatment of the LGBTQ community.

It’s unclear how many Netflix employees will be taking part in a planned walkout next week in protest of the special’s content. 

“The Closer,” came out a week ago. The comedy special has opened a contentious battle over his jokes about the LGBTQ community, and especially those who are transgender.

One Netflix employee tweeted, “He attacks the trans community, and the very validity of transness — all while trying to pit us against other marginalized groups.” 

The controversy has grown since staff emails from Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended Chappelle. In an internal company email, Sarandos said the company will not be taking down the special and that the content does not translate into real-world harm.

National Black Justice Coalition activist Blossom C. Brown says Chappelle should be held accountable.

“He has money, wealth, he has power. But this is a lot of real-life for those who are on the ground having to be in survival mode each and every day.”

Chappelle has a history of sparking controversy, and Netflix employees had voiced concerns before. This week, GLAAD and numerous LGBTQ groups spoke out, as well.

The latest battle has trans employees of Netflix and company supporters planning to walk out next Wednesday.

“How can you rewire and reprogram the old ideology of Hollywood and who comes through it?” Brown said.

So far, there has been no public response from Netflix on the controversy or the planned walkout. “The Closer” is currently among the top five shows on Netflix.

Entertainment

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Partly Cloudy

la

68°F Partly Cloudy Feels like 68°
Wind
8 mph SW
Humidity
81%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to considerable cloudiness and fog after midnight. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
61°F Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to considerable cloudiness and fog after midnight. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Wind
8 mph SW
Precip
12%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous