Although The Closer was met with critical acclaim, the special caused an outrage within Netflix employees who staged a walk-out last week in protest of Netflix airing Chappelle's content. In a new video released of Chappelle performing on stage, the comedian addressed the chaos and outrage that was caused by his material. For many, his words were seen as his attempt to build a bridge between himself and his detractors in the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s been said in the press that I was invited to speak to the transgender employees of Netflix and I refused. That is not true — if they had invited me I would have accepted it, although I am confused about what we would be speaking about. I said what I said, and boy, I heard what you said. My God, how could I not? You said you want a safe working environment at Netflix. It seems like I’m the only one that can’t go to the office anymore.”
Dave Chappelle Addresses LGBTQ+ Controversy
Chappelle also encouraged the audience present to not blame the LGBTQ+ community for the hostile environment surrounding the comedian these days. “I want everyone in this audience to know that even though the media frames it that it’s me versus that community, that is not what it is. Do not blame the LBGTQ [sic] community for any of this shit. This has nothing to do with them. It’s about corporate interests and what I can say and what I cannot say." Chappelle ended by thanking Netflix for their continued support.
The reaction on social media suggests that many within the community found no issue with Chappelle and have even supported him throughout this ordeal. Comedy fans will hope that there can be a common ground to this issue as it could set a new precedent for comedians. But it remains to be seen whether or not Netflix employees wish to stage a sit down with Chappelle in the coming days!
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