Despite the fact that Chappelle would not be performing, the arrangement reinforces Netflix’s commitment to the controversial comedian.
A different comic will be featured in each stand-alone episode.
American stand-up comedian and actor, David Khari Webber Chappelle, known as Dave Chappelle, will executively produce four new Netflix comedy specials, months after the streaming giant came under fire for comments the stand-up comedian made in a previous project that targeted the transgender community.
“Chappelle’s Home Team,” the first of the new series, will be accessible to Netflix subscribers on February 28, according to a release, reported Bloomberg.
Both were criticized in October after Chappelle’s comedy special “The Closer” included jokes about gender-neutral pronouns and statements about trans-women’s genitalia.
The 48-year-old was criticized in October for featuring a lengthy anti-trans part in his Netflix program ‘The Closer’. In support of J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans statements, he declared himself “team TERF” (trans-exclusionary radical feminist)” and boasted of attacking lesbians.
Chappelle’s content was supported by Netflix, citing “creative freedom.”
Employees had expressed their displeasure with the show’s release, and several staged a protest at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters.
Netflix has stated that it promotes open debate.
Notably, Netflix suspended (and later reinstated) three employees in connection with the case one of whom is trans.
A pregnant Black trans woman who organized an employee walkout protest was also fired by the streamer for allegedly disclosing info about the special to the press.
Earthquake (actual name Nathaniel Martin Stroman) is the first to be featured, and his special, Earthquake: Legendary, begins on February 28.
Donnell Rawlings will be the subject of another special.
All of the featured comics have been doing stand-up for at least 30 years, which is something they all have in common.
The streamer’s most popular draw is comedian Dave Chappelle. However, his most recent Netflix special, The Closer, garnered widespread condemnation from the media and many of his fans for the comic’s extended treatment of the transgender movement, which was deemed transphobic by many.
According to Bloomberg News, “The Closer” cost Netflix $24.1 million, more than its previous record-breaking show Squid Game.
Chappelle’s specials are the most popular on the platform, with a prior episode attracting nearly 24 million views.
In April, Chappelle will perform at the Hollywood Bowl as part of Netflix’s forthcoming comedy event “Netflix Is A Joke.”
