Netflix has defended its decision to screen a Dave Chappelle special criticized as transphobic, as it suspended employees who crashed a virtual meeting in protest at the comedian's show, media reported Monday.
The stand-up star has courted controversy with "The Closer" in which he asserts "gender is a fact," and criticises what he says is the thin skin of the trans community.
LGBTQ activists have lashed out over the comments, with the National Black Justice Coalition calling on streaming service Netflix to remove the program, and "Dear White People" producer Jaclyn Moore vowing to boycott the platform over "dangerously transphobic content."
But in a memo to staff, Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos said bosses did not believe that Chappelle's work amounted to "hate," and that the company would not be removing the show despite pressure from artists, according to Variety, which obtained a copy of the memo.
"Some talent may join third parties in asking us to remove the show in the coming days, which we are not going to do," Sarandos wrote, adding Chappelle is one of the most popular performers working today.
"We don't allow titles (on) Netflix that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we don't believe 'The Closer' crosses that line.
"I recognize, however, that distinguishing between commentary and harm is hard, especially with stand-up comedy which exists to push boundaries."
Variety also reported that three employees who crashed a virtual meeting for executives in protest at "The Closer" had been suspended.
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