It looks like Netflix is continuing to stand behind Dave Chappelle! The streaming giant recently announced a more extensive partnership with the comedian. This comes more than four months since Netflix combated internal and external backlash for streaming Dave’s ‘The Closer.’
Back At It Again
Dave will reportedly host and produce four, new comedy specials as part of his ‘Chappelle’s Home Team’ series with Netflix, per NBC News. And this time, he got to handpick a few familiar faces to entertain the masses. Apparently, the first special highlighting comic Earthquake will go live on February 28. Fans will also see one of Dave’s longtime comedic collaborators Donnell Rawlings as a host in the second special.
“I’ve been doing this a long time and comedians like Quake and Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,” Dave said in a statement. “Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.”
Netflix Sticks By Dave
As you may remember, Dave and Netflix found themselves at the center of a media firestorm in the last quarter of 2021. There were internal and external calls for Dave’s special ‘The Closer’ to be removed from the platform due to transphobic comments. At one point, queer Netflix employees staged a walkout. But still, the company’s CEO Ted Sarados stood beside Dave and his comedy in two company memos.
“We know that a number of you have been left angry, disappointed and hurt by our decision to put Dave Chappelle’s latest special on Netflix…Adults can watch violence, assault and abuse – or enjoy shocking stand-up comedy – without it causing them to harm others,” CEO Ted said in the second memo.
In the show, Dave labeled himself a TERF, meaning “trans-exclusionary radical feminist.” He also expressed support for J.K. Rowlings’ comments about trans women posing a threat to people assigned female at birth. And despite stating he has no issues with the trans community, he went on to comment on the anatomy of trans women, calling their genitals ” beyond pu**y or impossible pu**y.” In late October, Dave responded to the growing controversy.
“To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience, but you will not summon me, ” Dave said. “I am not bending to anybody’s demands.”
He also thanked Ted and the company for sticking beside him saying, “Thank God for Ted Sarandos and Netflix, he’s the only one that didn’t cancel me yet.”