Dave Chappelle is finally responding to the controversy regarding his newest Netflix comedy special The Closer.
On Monday (Oct. 25), the comedian posted a video from one of his recent tour stops to his Instagram account in which he spoke about reportedly being invited to speak with the transgender employees of Netflix. He said that was not true and if it were, he would’ve gone to speak with them — although he said he is unsure what the conversation would be about.
“To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience, but you will not summon me,” he said. “I am not bending to anyone’s demands,” he added, as the crowd cheered on.
“And if you want to meet with me, I am more than willing to, but I have some conditions,” Chappelle said. “First of all, you cannot come if you have not watched my special from beginning to end. You must come to a place of my choosing at a time of my choosing, and thirdly, you must admit that Hannah Gadsby is not funny.”
As REVOLT previously reported, several members of the Netflix employee resource group Trans* and their supporters held a walkout in protest of Chappelle’s comments on The Closer. His jokes have been criticized as being anti-trans and GLAAD and other groups have called for the comedy special to be drawn from Netflix.
Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of the streaming giant, previously stated that the show would stay on Netflix. He also refuted claims that Chappelle’s comments would increase violence towards those in the LGBTQ+ community.
“The strongest evidence to support this is that violence on screens has grown hugely over the last thirty years, especially with first party shooter games, and yet violent crime has fallen significantly in many countries,” he said in an email to staff. “Adults can watch violence, assault and abuse – or enjoy shocking stand-up comedy — without it causing them to harm others.”
Check out Chappelle’s video below.