Netflix responds to LGBTQ backlash over Dave Chappelle: The Closer doesn't cross "the line on hate"

Variety

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed staff members over the uproar over Chappelle's new standup special that Dear White People co-showrunner Jaclyn Moore called "blatantly and dangerously transphobic content." In a memo obtained by Variety, Sarandos seemingly responded to the backlash, writing: “Several of you have also asked where we draw the line on hate. We don’t allow titles Netflix that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we don’t believe The Closer crosses that line.” In the memo, Sarandos drew a line between expressing artistic freedom and protecting employees in the workplace. “Particularly in stand-up comedy, artistic freedom is obviously a very different standard of speech than we allow internally as the goals are different: entertaining people versus maintaining a respectful, productive workplace,” he said. Sarandos also pointed to Netflix's history of sticking by controversial content, including 13 Reasons Why and Cuties. 

ALSO:

• Netflix suspends three employees, including trans person who lashed out at the company over The Closer on Twitter, for crashing leadership meeting: "Terra Field, a senior software engineer based in San Francisco, was among those suspended late last week for attending the 'QBR' — Netflix’s quarterly business review, a two-day affair that convenes the top 500 employees at the company," reports Variety. Field, who identifies as queer and trans, wrote a lengthy Twitter thread last week calling out Chappelle's new special. “Yesterday," she wrote, "we launched another Chappelle special where he attacks the trans community, and the very validity of transness – all while trying to pit us against other marginalized groups. You’re going to hear a lot of talk about ‘offense.’ We are not offended.”  
• Family of late trans comedian Daphne Dorman defends Chappelle, calling him an "LGBTQ ally"