Trans Employees To Stage Walkout After Netflix Exec Defends Dave Chappelle’s The Closer

There has been a lot of controversy around Netflix's decision not to remove comedian Dave Chappelle's special, The Closer, from the streaming platform despite the anti-LGBTQ+ jokes on the show.

Recently, it was revealed that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has come to the defense of Chappelle, pointing out that the series is not a platform for hate. Sarandos's decision to keep The Closer on Netflix had received a significant backlash from the LGBTQ+ community, not only in the United States but also worldwide.

The American online streaming giant has yet to release a new memo regarding Sarandos's comments. But, currently, The Closer is still available to watch on Netflix.

ALSO READ: Netflix Exec Ted Sarandos Defends David Chapelle's The Closer And Calls It 'Artistic Freedom'

Trans Netflix Employees To Protest Against Netflix's Decision

Several outlets have reported that Trans employees of Netflix have plans to stage a walkout to protest the company's recent decision regarding Chapelle's special. Despite the massive call to remove the show on the streaming app, Netflix has stood its ground, saying that it is artistic freedom at best.

On Monday, an unnamed Netflix employee posted on a Slack channel regarding protest plans, which was seen by over 800 staff. The message read:

"I encourage all [members of] Trans* and allies not to work for Netflix that day. ... As we've discussed through Slack, email, texts and everything in between, our leadership has shown us that they do not uphold the values for which we are held. Between the numerous emails and non-answers that have been given, we have been told explicitly that we somehow cannot understand the nuance of certain content. I don't know about you, but asking for us to show the whole story and not just the pieces that harm trans and [LGBTQ+] people is not an unreasonable ask."

The Netflix employees' call to walkout has yet to happen. Even stars, who are in contract with Netflix, have also revealed their support towards the Trans community.

Will Netflix Pull The Plug On The Closer?

Currently, Dave Chappelle's special is still available to stream on Netflix. With Sarandos deciding to keep the special in the platform, it is unlikely to be removed soon. Despite the LGBTQ+ community campaigning vehemently for its removal, the decision lies with the online streaming platform's executives.

As previously reported, Sarandos believes that Chappelle's special was in no way trying to harm anyone or any community whatsoever. He believes that there is a different standard of artistic freedom in the comedy world compared to regular shows. The decision to keep The Closer is set in stone.

Stay tuned only here on EpicStream for more updates!