Recently, a number of Netflix employees participated in a walkout to protest comedian Dave Chappelle’s latest stand-up special, The Closer. Chappelle’s comments about transgender individuals in the special sparked dissatisfaction among Netflix staff who identify as transgender or transgender allies.
According to TMZ, Chappelle’s representative expressed his readiness to have a respectful conversation with Netflix employees and members of the LGBTQ+ community. “Dave stands by his art: No more jokes about transgenders until we can all laugh together,” the representative stated, echoing a line from Chappelle’s special.
“The streets are talking, and Dave is listening. Eventually, when there’s openness all around, I believe the communities will unite,” the representative added.
The organizer of the walkout, Ashlee Marie Preston, mentioned that she tried to initiate a dialogue with Chappelle’s team but did not receive a response. “I invited Dave Chappelle to engage in a transformative conversation about the harm caused,” she shared with the press. “Unfortunately, he declined to participate.” Chappelle’s representatives clarified that neither the protesting group nor Netflix had reached out to them at any point.
Jon Stewart defends Dave Chappelle: ‘His intention is never hurtful’ https://t.co/TXFyVXs7vx pic.twitter.com/2zHRujuU0n
— New York Post (@nypost) October 22, 2021
On the other hand, several celebrities, especially comedians, have come out in support of Chappelle, emphasizing that his jokes, although edgy, are not intended to be malicious.
“If this leads to a dialogue that enhances mutual understanding, that would be wonderful,” former Daily Show host Jon Stewart commented to TMZ. “But I know his intentions are never meant to cause harm. He’s simply not that type of person.”
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