In his new Netflix special, The Closer, Dave Chappelle makes multiple anti-trans statements, including declaring himself “team TERF” in support of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended the special, stating, “We don’t allow movies on Netflix that are designed to inspire hate or violence, and we don’t feel The Closer breaches that line,” but transgender employees and allies are planning a walkout next week in protest of Chappelle’s remarks. According to the Los Angeles Times:
Trans*, a Netflix staff resource organization, and their allies will take a “day of rest” on Oct. 20 in response to their worries regarding Chappelle’s The Closer. “I strongly advise all Trans* and sympathizers not to work for Netflix on that day….” Our leadership has demonstrated that they do not uphold the values for which we are held, as we’ve discussed through Slack, email, texts, and everything in between,” a Netflix employee wrote Monday in a public, company Slack channel comprised of more than 800 employees representing “gender minorities of all kinds and their allies.”
The message continues, “I encourage us all to state clearly that we, as Netflix employees are stunning not simply when we are doing the work that our roles demand of us but also when we challenge the very principles of our company.”
GLAAD issued a statement last week in response to Chappelle’s show and history of anti-LGBTQ humor. “Dave Chappelle’s name has become associated with mocking transgender individuals and other oppressed groups. Negative reviews and outcry from viewers about his most recent program send a message to the business that audiences don’t support putting anti-LGBTQ diatribes on the air. The statement states, “We agree.”
