Posted in: Netflix, Preview, streaming, TV | Tagged: chappelle, LGBTQ characters, lgbtqia, netflix, The Closer, trans

Chappelle Reportedly "Listening", Open to Meet with Netflix Employees

October 22, 2021 / 4:05 pm Update: Less than 48 hours after Team Trans* led a Netflix employee walkout in response to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defending comedian Dave Chappelle and The Closer against calls to have his stand-up special removed over comments many in the LGBTQ and ally communities found offensive, it would appear Chappelle has been "listening." Based on initial & follow-up reporting from TMZ and PEOPLE, a representative for Chappelle stated, "Dave [Chappelle] stands by his Art. Both sides of the street are talking and Dave is listening. At some point, when everyone is open, I'm sure our communities will come together."

B. Pagels-Minor (a former Netflix employee who was fired for allegedly leaking internal intel on the special) took to Twitter to let Chappelle and his camp know that they are more than open to a sit-down. "If someone from Dave's camp sends over contact info, I will gladly send it to the Netflix employees," Pagels-Minor tweeted:

Transgender activist Ashlee Marie Preston is also open to dialogue, revealing to PEOPLE that she had previously reached out to Chappelle after his 2019 special Sticks & Stones to address many of the same issues but didn't receive a response. "If Dave were truly willing to come to the table, I would sit at it and respectfully have the conversation," Preston said.

Original Report: Last week, we reported on how Dave Chappelle was facing backlash for comments he made during his recent Netflix stand-up special The Closer. Many on social media & within the LGBTQ+ community as well a number of LGBTQ+-supporting organizations (GLAAD, National Black Justice Coalition & others) are demanding that the streaming service pull the special over what they say were hate-filled comments meant to attack the trans community and others. But based on a memo reportedly from Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos that was sent to staff on Friday (and obtained by Variety), the special and Chappelle aren't going anywhere.

"Several of you have also asked where we draw the line on hate. We don't allow titles Netflix that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we don't believe 'The Closer' crosses that line. I recognize, however, that distinguishing between commentary and harm is hard, especially with stand-up comedy which exists to push boundaries. Some people find the art of stand-up to be mean-spirited but our members enjoy it, and it's an important part of our content offering," Sarandos reportedly wrote, arguing the importance of artistic freedom in making the decision. "Externally, particularly in stand-up comedy, artistic freedom is obviously a very different standard of speech than we allow internally as the goals are different: entertaining people versus maintaining a respectful, productive workplace." Here's a look at the full text of the email reportedly sent:

I wanted to follow-up on the "The Closer" — Dave Chappelle's latest special — as several of you have reached out following QBR asking what to say to your teams. It never feels good when people are hurting, especially our colleagues, so I wanted to give you some additional context. You should also be aware that some talent may join third parties in asking us to remove the show in the coming days, which we are not going to do.

Chapelle 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. As with our other talent, we work hard to support their creative freedom – even though this means there will always be content on Netflix some people believe is harmful, like "Cuties," "365 Days," "13 Reasons Why" or "My Unorthodox Life."

Several of you have also asked where we draw the line on hate. We don't allow titles Netflix that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we don't believe The Closer crosses that line. I recognize, however, that distinguishing between commentary and harm is hard, especially with stand-up comedy which exists to push boundaries. Some people find the art of stand-up to be mean-spirited but our members enjoy it, and it's an important part of our content offering.

In terms of our commitment to inclusion, we're working hard to ensure more people see their lives reflected on screen and that under-represented communities are not defined by the single story. So we're proud of titles like "Sex Education," "Young Royals," "Control Z" and "Disclosure." Externally, particularly in stand-up comedy, artistic freedom is obviously a very different standard of speech than we allow internally as the goals are different: entertaining people versus maintaining a respectful, productive workplace.

Today's conversation on Entertain the World was timely. These are hard and uncomfortable issues. We all bring different values and perspectives so thank you for being part of the conversation as it's important we're clear about our operating principles.

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