The controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix special, The Closer, continues to intensify. Here's why some Netflix employees are threatening to strike.
Chappelle's comments on gender identity have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community. A key segment where the comedian shares his views on transgender issues has sparked accusations of transphobia. In response, certain Netflix staff are organizing a walkout, demanding the special's removal from the platform.
J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has become a lightning rod for transphobia debates due to her repeated, unnuanced statements on social media. Labeled a TERF—Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist, a term for feminists who exclude transgender women from their advocacy—Rowling alienated many fans.
In The Closer, Chappelle defends Rowling, citing her recent remarks. He states that TERFs "see trans women like black people see blackface, like, 'Oooh this bitch is impersonating me, it offends me.'" Chappelle then aligns himself with "Team TERF."
The special's release prompted immediate backlash at Netflix. Transgender engineer Tera Field posted a viral Twitter thread highlighting its issues, arguing that "promoting TERF ideology... directly hurts trans people; it is not a neutral act."
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos pushed back, defending the content: "Although some employees are not okay, we strongly believe that this on-screen content has no real-world negative repercussions." Despite the uproar, The Closer remains available.
According to the Los Angeles Times, several employees plan to strike next week, underscoring the real tensions within the company.
