“Several of you have also asked where we draw the line on hate. We don’t allow titles on Netflix that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we don’t believe [the latest Chappelle special] 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.”Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos in a memo to employees regarding Dave Chappelle’s transphobic comedy special.
Related: Madonna called Dave Chappelle “the next James Baldwin” in her new tour doc and fans are pissed
Fahd
Netflix no longer allows viewers to rate content, so how does he know people “enjoy it”?
This quote is just execuspeak for “we will not admit that we made a sloppy, thoughtless decision to include this content on our platform, and we don’t care whether you like it or not as long as you watch it, because, as the Cabaret number goes, money makes the world go ’round”
For Shame!
Netflix should continue to hear from people.
nealman
The special memorializes his trans friend who he lost to suicide after being bullied online for standing up for Dave Chappelle when people wrongfully accused him of being transphobic, kind of like right here. Dave Chappelle had a trans woman open for him who was his personal friend. He loved her. He says trans women are women in the special. Jokes are made—it’s comedy.
Fahd
@nealman
I don’t think the “some of his best friends are trans defense” really works at all with most people nowadays. Doesn’t change the content of his show.
It seems there’s a group of publicists’ interns on the site here mobilized to defend Chappelle and Netflix — up the viewership through generating conflict – example, accuse those of criticizing of not having watched it, might generate more views…it all makes money. Disgusting grifting.
Netflix should admit their mistake and take down the show. Follow Disney’s example with their offensive material from in the day.
Also, Netflix should go back to let their viewers rate Netflix programming — would help to make their execuspeak more palatable.
dwick
the suicide story is bullcrap
nice try though-your bridge is getting lonely
nealman
@Fawd @Dwick
You clearly have not watched what you’re commenting on.
A black Muslim man just spent one of his last comedy specials, someone who is one of the greats, talking about and exploring trans issues in a positive light. He told a human story and both sides of how he used to think and how he thinks now.
If people can’t change, shouldn’t we all just give up now?
If people can’t make jokes, do we not have a sense of humor?
A black Muslim man spent his special talking about trans issues in a positive light.
How is that not a good thing?
Watch the show. Don’t just be part of an echo chamber of purity tests. That’s not a fun world or one that will lead to creative expression. Our ideas are stronger than an elbow-in-the-side kind of joke. They are. We are not that fragile.
Alphabet Mafia Chappelle Fans Unite!!
nealman
Activism is changing people’s minds.
Cancelling and not listening to someone you disagree who downright does not mean you any harm with as an ethos will only serve to identify fault lines and tear people apart.
The gay community has seen success in integration at society at large by changing people’s minds, not just shutting out and attacking friends who aren’t friendly enough yet.
Fahd
Netflix should continue to hear from people; the program should not be on Netflix. Doesn’t matter who said it or what his creds might be or whatever group might be behind the guy, the content remains hateful and odious.
And Netflix should go back to permitting its viewers to rate the content to better reflect the quality of what it offers its subscribers. With the ongoing emergence of competing streaming services, Netflix won’t get away with this sloppy management for much longer.
LumpyPillows
Daphne Dorman was a real person and the story Dave told about her is real. Seriously, denying easily verifiable facts is so troll. Watch the show before commenting haters so you don’t look so shallow and gullible.
Cam
@nealman and @Lumpy Pillows are the same troll account.
Always on here defending anybody who attacks the community.
LumpyPillows
When cam is on the losing side, he makes personal attacks. So predictably lame.
frapachino
Re Nealman: it’s all about finger pointing and the need to feel “morally superior “ to others, the faux outrage has nothing to do with truth.
Ken A.
No. Netflix does a lot for the community. Some like his comedy routine–are you telling them they can’t watch it–you choose what you want to watch. You’re no better than those who want BIG MOUTH cancelled or SEX EDUCATION or that other show I forget the name. You don’t like it, don’t watch it.
Hank31
Um yah, a multi-billion dollar media company has no other way of gauging members’ content preferences.
customartist
Contact Netflix’ sponsors directly with your concerns.
barryaksarben
OH Lumpy you still here. We call you out every single time. We all know you are a straight gop troll who comes here thinking you are so clever. You arent. No one believes a thing you say. Go away troll. If you defend someone you can count on them being in the wrong. You are a pos just like cam. HI Lar I ous you are yes you are. jsut Hil a rio us. Is that how you spell it. Glad you finally dropped it but we still know who you are
tomamundo
Yes, absolutamente!
ciasteczek
I wonder if “editors” even bothered to watch Dave Chappelles special or is he another woke snowflake who randomly calls people trasphobic
armandov
I saw it and it was pretty transphobic. I think the CEO of Netflix could have said something like “We understand many of our viewers may find this disturbing but…”
nealman
They very clearly have not watched it. This is the problem with the thought police and cancel culture: sometimes they are wrong!
LumpyPillows
I watched the show and found it edgy and funny. Did I agree with everything? No, but I’m a big boy.
Old Prude
He joked about beating up a Lesbian in a night club and his audience apparently cheered. This is Chappelle inciting violence and boasting about his own violence! Absolutely disgusting.
BostonGuy
You really think he was inciting violence? I saw the show too. Why don’t you mention his admonition of an audience member who disagreed when Chapelle criticized the North Carolina bathroom law? I thoroughly enjoyed the Netflix special and am disappointed it is his last.
LumpyPillows
He talked about self defense when attacked. I did not find that bit great either, but misrepresenting it is shallow.
Matthewnow
In the cancel culture of today, lets cancel chappelle (lower case intended) and netflix (again lower case intended). Stand up to hate!
BostonGuy
Except there was no hate. Another joker looking to erase. I am gay and do not relate to trans people. I support trans rights, have voted in favor of trans rights, but I don’t relate. And I’m tired of being pit in a position of jumping through every hoop that trans activists raise into the air. Also, I HATE the LGBTQAAII+++ alphabet soup. Just because I’m gay (and had rocks thrown at me when marching in early gay pride parades) doesn’t mean I relate to Asexuals, Trans, Intersex, Questioning or any other person I’m told I have to relate to. I support rights for all of these people as a human being as I do for Blacks, Asians, Indigenous People, etc. But I don’t necessarily closely relate to their struggle.
jayceecook
@BostonGuy What you describe is called a lack of empathy. I realize many, MANY people suffer from this. However it is quite a lamentable reality. One that is partially responsible for so much of the division in our world.
Cam
@BostonGuy
I am gay but…….
Hmmm, that sounds familiar. Oh yeah, it’s what the troll accounts say before they defend bigots.
sfhairy
@BostonGuy – Agree with you. The umbrella of Alphabets is ridiculous. I’m also gay, support trans lives, but I also know that a Trans Man isn’t a biological man and a Trans Woman isn’t a biological woman. I support trans people in the way represent themselves to society, but biology is biology. A trans man has and will never be able to produce sperm and a trans woman will never be able to provide an egg and a uterus to support life.
GlobeTrotter
@sfhairy: Be very careful! You’re not allowed to point out the obvious, else you risk getting cancelled.
Never thought I’d see the day when fascism arrived in America.
BostonGuy
@CAM And therein lies the problem……you obviously can’t imagine someone disagreeing with your POV, so you’ve convinced yourself that the several people here defending Chapelle must be the same person! Classic narcissist. Funny thing is, you and I probably agree on most things. We probably vote for the same candidates. We might even get along if we ever met. Accept the fact that gay people can disagree with each other – It’s OK. it’s actually even healthy and reflects the way our community has evolved. And BTW, I have no other account on this site and couldn’t even be bothered having more than one.
GlobeTrotter
Give me a break! It’s called COMEDY, i.e. satire, roasting, making fun of individuals and groups, etc. Comedians have been making fun of every single group for DECADES now – look at performers like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy or Sheryl Underwood who mercilessly roasted the African-American community, the gay community, women, politicians, even Africans (remember Eddie Murphy’s “I want HALF!” shtick?). Why should the Trans Community be any different? Every other group gets roasted and satired – what makes the Trans Community so sacrosanct that they’re exempt from all manner of criticism and satire?
Many “woke” individuals seem to forget that we live in a democracy, and the life-blood of any democratic society is the ability and RIGHT to criticize. That is one of the most fundamental rights written into our constitution. Without criticism, there can be no change, no improvement, no new ideas, and this is what sets us apart from dictatorships and what accounts for our prosperity and freedom. Every community MUST BE subject to criticism and satire, this is what keeps the ambitions of each community in check and prevents them from infringing on the rights of others.
I am black and gay, and when I listen to Eddie Murphy lambasting the black and gay communities, I laugh my ass off. Part of what he’s saying are true observations, the other part is pure satire. If you can’t laugh at yourself and your community, then you don’t belong in a democratic society.
Comedy is NOT hate! Satirizing or criticizing the Trans Community is NOT transphobia!
BostonGuy
I completely agree with you!
Cam
It’s cute how the same old troll account tries, it TRIES to be subtle, but then it starts using all of the FOX News lingo and crying about “Woke” people and gives itself away.
Having it’s other screename “BostonGuy” come in right after to defend it’s post is standard playbook for it.
sfhairy
@Cam it’s cute that you think because people don’t agree with you that they are Trolls. Try again.
LumpyPillows
At it again cam? Give it a rest old thing.
radiooutmike
Uh. Yeah.
Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy and Sheryl Underwood are all black; so, of course, they can roast African-American communities. I think you might feel differently if Jerry Seinfeld, Paula Poundstone and Rosie O’Donnell were doing it.
IIRC, Eddie Murphy in Raw (1987) talking about Oomphala the African Bush Bitch as his wife her being Americanized by asking for half was funny. But hey, I was 20. I don’t that schtick funny anymore. Maybe you shouldn’t either.
dinard38
@sfhairy isn’t this Cam dude annoying af?? Anyone who doesn’t agree with him and agrees with each other are the same troll using multiple accounts. No fu*king way he can know if someone is using multiple accounts. He comes off a little nutty!
dinard38
Well said!!! Totally agree!!!
Darn. Guess Cammy Cam is gonna now accuse me of being another one of your troll accounts. Lol!!!!
charlie_jackpot
The amount of trolling on here is ridiculous
All sites like this should just switch off comments it seems nothing to the discussion and it just gets derailed by people pretending to be what they are not
BostonGuy
Of course, anyone that disagrees with you is a right wing troll, transphobic, homophobic…and on and on. I
LumpyPillows
Don’t turn the comments off, because how would anyone know what a horrible badly written article it is. Queerty is really pushing it, especially with terrible click-bait headlines, and better watch out they don’t get sued into oblivion like Gawker.
Cam
Boston Guy and Lumpy Pillows, same troll account.
LumpyPillows
Lol, I have nothing to do with other comments. What you can’t handle is we are correct and you haven’t a proper argument. Loser.
WSnyder
I refuse to watch Mr. Chappelle and likely never will. I don’t spend money on online content or comedy club acts live where performer content is offensive to the LGBTQ+ Community. Netflix and Night Clubs will be hard pressed to support talent when their ‘draw’ is less profitable than someone whose comedy is more sophisticated and supportive of us.
LumpyPillows
Since you didn’t watch the show, your opinion on it is worthless. By all means don’t watch anything that might upset you or expand your views.
leo1008
If you don’t want to watch Chappelle, don’t watch Chappelle. If you want to boycott Netflix, boycott Netflix. If you want to do your own comedy special in which you say whatever you want about Chappelle (without actually promoting violence), then go for it. We have free speech, we have options: Chappelle can say what he wants, and his detractors are free to say what they want. Welcome to a free, open, and (at least partially) democratic society.
But the one approach that should not be taken is the so-called “canceling” of Chappelle. Advocating to get his voice removed from platforms like Netflix is an absurd over-reaction; and, quite frankly, it’s exactly the kind of thing giving the Left a bad name.
The best solution for speech we don’t like is (almost) always more speech, not speech restrictions. Other public figures like trump are, in my opinion, legitimate exceptions because, among many other reasons, a straight line can be drawn from trump’s election lies and pandemic misinformation to violence and death. So, yeah, when someone’s speech is clearly getting lots of other people killed, sure, that speech can be limited.
But attempting to put Chappelle in that sort of dangerous category, mostly because we don’t like the content of his latest comedy special, is ridiculous. Speaking from my own perspective: I don’t want everyone spouting terrible jokes about gays to lose their ability to broadcast those terrible jokes. They are free, and they should be free, to expose just how ignorant they are. They can say whatever they want about me, and I can then proceed to say whatever I want about them: and that’s exactly how it should be. I would be more offended by people who claim that I’m fragile and need to be protected than I would be by the dumb or ignorant comments of homophobes. So, I don’t need anyone trying to protect me: I need my free speech so that I can take care of it myself.
LumpyPillows
I agree to a point about free speech, but there are limits. That said, if Dave Chappelle’s show was as horrible as they have misrepresented it, I would feel compelled to condemn it. The show was edgy and provocative, but not over the line, in my opinion, but, hey, I bothered to watch it first.
ScottOnEarth
Netflix is interested in one thing and one thing only: revenue. If the show is popular, they’ll support it. Period.
mastik8
Watch it. It appears as though the trans community’s concerns about Chappelle are being taken advantage of, and exploited by, an advertising campaign in an effort to promote the show. It wasn’t at all what I thought it would be based on the coverage.
LumpyPillows
I don’t think Netflix is that craven to fan transphobia claims to get more viewers. What I do believe is the fringe left is pushing their cancel culture agenda that is dangerous and polarizing. There is a reason why people who do not like Trump still hold their noses and vote for him, and it is the ludicrous social engineering from the fringe left.
cuteguy
Netflix had their hands tied bc if they cancelled him, then they would have to deal with a bigger movement, BLM
LumpyPillows
Or, perhaps, the Netflix executives had watched the show and know the complaints are bogus.
hansniemeijer
When free speech insults and hurts people it is not funny. Who needs “comedians” like Eddy Murphy, Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle?
LumpyPillows
Apparently a lot of people. I’m sorry you are so easily offended. Especially when you probably never watched any of their shows.
SeanF
Interesting that the ones you want gotten rid of are all black
jayceecook
I believe everyone here who took the time to watch DC’s special and refuse to see some of the problematic things he said should check out the YT video “The Complex Transphobia of Dave Chappelle” by Jessie Gender. It’s a very well done analysis about the nuances of the things he said. She did a wonderful job of addressing most of the issues without calling for DC to be canceled or for Netflix to pull the show. It’s very insightful.
GlobeTrotter
But this is what comedy’s supposed to do – say problematic things that in the end provoke thought and change. Comedians have been making fun of and saying problematic things about African-Americans, the gay community, women, politicians, Jews, foreigners, etc. FOR DECADES NOW! We grin and bear it because we live in a pluralistic, democratic society. The Trans Community is not above criticism and satire, and as long as he’s not advocating violence, then his statements should be taken as they were meant – humorous anecdotes and observations.
As a black man, I double over in stitches whenever some stand-up comedian makes humorous observations about our community, and trust me, there’s A LOT to make fun of. But that’s life in a democratic society. You laugh with the jokes, you reflect on the observations, and if the criticisms are valid, then you try to make a change. It is wrong however, to equate humor and criticism with phobia, as in Transphobia.
jayceecook
@GlobeTrotter It’s funny how you and those like you are crying about people not watching DC’s special and commenting about it but won’t live by your own words. To quote one of the trolls above, “Since you didn’t watch the show, your opinion on it is worthless.”
mastik8
Thanks for recommending that. Just finished. Very genuine and from the heart. I agree with you that it is interesting, and also quite hopeful, that she ends up being on the side of not cancelling Dave but rather, despite its obvious flaws, use it as a jumping off point for much needed discussion. From there I also ended up reading the Dahlia Belle piece for the Guardian, which I highly recommend as well. Neither may change minds but both add quite a bit of depth to the discussion. A discussion that needs to continue.
GlobeTrotter
@jayceecook: Ahm…I don’t remember crying about peopling not watching the show and then commenting about it. Furthermore, how do you know I never watched the show myself?
jayceecook
@mastik8 You’re welcome. I’m glad you found it informative. I did search for and read Dhalia’s open letter to DC. I’m not a black trans woman so it’s not really my place to tell her how to feel and react but I did find it to be obviously more reactionary than critical. Though she did make some valid points that shouldn’t be ignored.
jayceecook
@GlobeTrotter I know you didn’t because if you did you would have opened your ears and eyes, reflected on the observations, insights, and arguments, and if the criticisms were valid, try to make a change. Instead you replied to my comment with a response that is in essence a copy + paste rant of one you made earlier on this post.
SeanF
Wow, awesome video. Thanks for the link, Jayceecook. Only half way thru, but she does a great job of restating arguments of other people that she disagrees with.
Cam
The number of screenames the troll account has come up with to defend Chapeele shows that this is a big issue for it.
Ted Serrandos at Netflix’s only excuse for running this, according to his memo to staff was that Chapelle’s last special was highly watched. That’s it, no defense of the topic.
LumpyPillows
Perhaps you should actually watch the show. Or better yet, just go away.
Cam
LOL!!!
I LOVE how the troll account can never resist responding when I mention it.
LumpyPillows
And yet you still haven’t watched the show. Lame. Now you will pretend you did. I really do find you laughable and love how easy it is to get under your jaundiced, prickly thin skin. I do envy the amount of free time you have. That’s about it.
dinard38
It’s all the excuse a for profit company needs. Also, who the hell are you or others in the LGBTQ etc. etc. to tell the rest of us what we can watch!
sfhairy
Poor Cam, all you want to do is try to claim that people are setting up Troll accounts to comment on Queerty. Not happening little troll, but keep trying.
LumpyPillows
He is rather pathetic, isn’t he?
Cam
LOL!!!
Not only is the troll account still obsessed with me, but it can NEVER resist switching screenames to back up it’s own post.
Sweetie, PLEASE, I’m begging you, PLEASE tell Putin to put somebody smarter on this account. Your troll game is sadder and weaker than ever.
But the fact that you are frantically defending this Netflix special exposes that it is bigoted. Because the right wing troll only ever defends bigotry.
LumpyPillows
Poor delusional cam, seek professional help.
Cam
@LumpyPillows
LOL!! The right wing troll account posts a backup to it’s on statement minutes apart, then shows that no matter what screename it’s under, it is always obsessed with me.
The fact that you keep frantically deflecting from Chapelle and your rage show that you know the show was bigoted. If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t care or be here defending it.
sfhairy
@Cam poor hunty, you have no argument, people aren’t supporting your position so you attack. Good luck with your insignificant life.
dinard38
Apparently EVERYONE that disagrees with the almighty Cam is the same person. He’s nuts!
Oh…..I guess that dinard38 and sfhairy are now the same person. Lol
Prax07
Don’t like it, don’t watch it. I’m planning to watch this weekend when I have time. So many bitching about it it’s got me wanting to see it . The world’s falling apart and the woke idiot warriors pick this, a stand up performance, as the main issue of the day…bunch of dumbasses.
Cam
It doesn’t matter what screename you’re under, you always sound the same.
IvanPH
Making fun of a group of people who are victims of bullying, violent hate crimes and harassment at a disproportionately higher rate than other groups is never okay. During the 90s and 2000s, late night talk show hosts used to do this every night in their monologues and, fortunately, they have stopped doing it. Stand-up comics should stop it too.
Hank31
It’s 100% OK!
dinard38
So what the hell should comedy be about then?? Stories about puppies and baby farts??? Geez!!!! It’s just ridiculous what we’re becoming these days. All of these various groups think that society has to cater to their every offense. (Eye roll)
James
DAVE CHAPELLE IS SCUM.
tomamundo
Si!
Essie
I’ve never been a fan of Chappelle. I think his “humor” is nasty, mean and unfunny. However, he has millions of fans and I understand why Netflix refuses to pull the show. I mean, you can watch it or not watch it, cancel your subscription or don’t cancel it, but it’s silly to expect Netflix to cancel this man. It’s not going to happen. I read earlier today that Mr. Saranos said they would not cancel the show because Chappelle is “too popular,” and he’s right. Money is the bottom line. Otherwise, why have a business?
The people at Netflix have a right to get upset and they have a right to express how upset they are but they don’t have a right to interrupt meetings and cause commotion at their workplace. So, the workers who did that were fired. They deserved it. This cancel culture thing is getting out of hand. Concentrate on what Netflix is doing and has done for the LGBTQ world. It’s a lot and they should be praised for that.
Dick Gozinia
I watched it and thought it was funny. I think he was saying out loud what lots of people think quietly to themselves. If you’re offended, don’t watch him.
Consider This
I’m sure plenty of folks will do just that going forward.
plazaro1
Its a good thing this CEO made clear he is transphobic as well… I HAD a subscription on Netflix, not anymore, bye felicia.
dinard38
Yes, I’m sure the CEO of Netflix is tossing and turning in his sleep over the fact that you canceled your subscription. (Insert eye roll)
Hank31
The one consequential thing to come out of this story is that it exposed trans activists, and GLAAD in particular, as impotent. They try to inflate their numbers and their influence, but in reality, there are very few trans activists and GLAAD does very little other than hand out awards and use its donor money to pay its executives. They have very little actual power. Thus, Netflix was able to shrug them off with no consequence. Hopefully, other media companies will take note.
Ironically, the original GLAAD of the 1980s, which was a gay/lesbian organization with no money, no paid staff, but lots of eager gay grassroots support and a singular focus, wielded more power than the GLAAD of 2021.
Consider This
I remember way back when Dave Chappelle used to be funny…
Fahd
Eighty some comments – multiple screen names – outside references – “in depth” “from the heart” analyses and opinions – all to defend a sloppy, thoughtless decision by Netflix executives to run some hateful crap by a has-been comedian. I’m sure Netflix has more money to spend to defend its “executive” decisions, so let’s see how much more they can run up the comments.
Netflix should disappear this not so Special, and they should start on the road back to being the great platform they once were by returning to allow viewers to rate the Netflix produced content. Then these “let us watch what we want” stuff makes more sense. Disney pulled Songs of the South – they did the right thing. Netflix can do the right thing too.
We are far along in the product life cycle and yes, it’s time to milk the profits, but they can revitalize the brand by avoiding these kind of crap decisions and returning to more transparency.
And this Mr. Sarandos at Netflix….LOSER… no matter how many “commentators” he pays to come on here and shill for him.
TxCudlr
ATTENTION!!!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!!!!!! PEOPLE, think about this. This isn’t rocket science. If NETFLIX is going to allow people to spew hatred, mock/make fun of others, or make derogatory remarks or SHOW HATRED towards a particular segment of society then SOMETHING NEEDS TO B DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How many other segments of society are treated in this SAME manner that NETFLIX ALLOWS???????????? With a mass of people coming together to say & show that we’re NOT going to put up with this HATRED OF OTHERS, NETFLIX NEED TO BE PUT OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! U think this won’t work?? Every time MASS VOICES unite together, change IS made!!!!!!!!!! Let’s put NETFLIX OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IanHunter
I watched it finally. It was nothing that I thought it was going to be.
inbama
With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, clearly Chapelle is in no danger of cancellation, and the efforts of activists to cancel him only make us look exactly like the uptight bullies he spoofs.
bachy
Are you a transgender comedian? Now is your time! Apply for a Netflix special and take the piss out of Chapelle and his groupies! Viewership will be through the roof!