“They cancelled @jk_rowling, they started calling her a TERF. I didn’t even know what that was, but I know that trans people make up words to win arguments… I’m team TERF.”
— Dave Chappelle#SexNotGender pic.twitter.com/VSxzrohZWM
— Women’s Voices (@WomenReadWomen) October 7, 2021
Following Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ continued defense of the anti-trans sentiments in comedian Dave Chappelle’s new special, The Closer, at least 1,000 incensed employees are now reportedly planning to participate in a virtual work stoppage on Oct. 20.
For nearly a week now, trans and trans-allied staffers have been voicing concerns over Chappelle’s ridicule of the LGBTQ community throughout the special, during which he self-identifies as a TERF (or “trans-exclusionary radical feminist”) and repeatedly dismisses the concept of a gender identity altogether. But in the wake of heated criticisms from both employees and customers, Netflix execs have made the bizarre decision to double down on their defense of the special, issuing a series of increasingly tone-deaf memos to staff.
Dave Chappelle talks DaBaby & the LGBTQ community pic.twitter.com/kSw4SV61sw
— No Jumper (@nojumper) October 5, 2021
Netflix Fires Protesting Employee
Netflix said Friday that it had fired an employee for disclosing confidential financial information about what it paid for Dave Chappelle’s comedy special “The Closer,” which some condemned as being transphobic.
The employee, who wasn’t named, shared “confidential, commercially sensitive information outside the company,” a Netflix statement said.
“We understand this employee may have been motivated by disappointment and hurt with Netflix, but maintaining a culture of trust and transparency is core to our company,” the statement said.
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