Netflix suspends transgender employee amid backlash against Dave Chappelle’s special
Netflix has suspended a transgender employee who spoke out against comedian Dave Chappelle’s new special The Closer on Twitter.
The stand-up comedian faced heavy criticism last week after his latest special was released in which he mocked trans people and said he was “team Terf” like JK Rowling.
In response, Netflix software engineer Terra Field called out the special, claiming that it “attacks the trans community, and the very validity of trans-ness”. Field then shared the names of 38 trans persons who were brutally murdered in the US this year.
On Monday (11 October), The Verge reported that Netflix had suspended Field.
The publication reports that the suspension came after the engineer, along with two other employees, tried to attend a director-level meeting they weren’t invited to. Another trans employee is said to have quit over the handling of Chappelle’s special and Field’s subsequent comments.
However, a Netflix spokesperson told The Verge that it was “absolutely untrue” that any employees were suspended for objecting to the show.
The New York Post also reported that the suspension was related to an investigation into a matter not related to Field’s social media activity, citing a source familiar with the incident.
The Independent has contacted Netflix and Field for a comment.
I work at @netflix. Yesterday 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 🧵— Terra Field (@RainofTerra) October 7, 2021
In a memo sent to the staff at Netflix, which was obtained by Variety, CEO Ted Sarandos defended Chappelle’s right to “artistic freedom”.
Sarandos wrote: “Chappelle is one of the most popular stand-up comedians today, and we have a long standing deal with him. His last special Sticks & Stones, also controversial, is our most watched, stickiest and most award winning stand-up special to date.”
He argued that “artistic freedom” in stand-up comedy has a “very different standard of speech” than what is allowed internally within the organisation. Sarandos added that Netflix would not be removing The Closer from the streaming service.
Many on social media came out in support of Field in the aftermath of the incident.
The violence and harm perpetuated against Trans, NB & Intersex folks is relentless and people pay with their lives, their livelihoods, and we’re sick of it. It breaks my heart that such important people and platforms continue to ignore that.
— Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) October 11, 2021
As a trans woman, I have usually defended Dave Chappelle’s specials because I think they’re hilarious and his jokes about trans women never felt intentionally malicious.
The Closer changed my mind on that. That special felt so lazy and disingenuous and I’m really disappointed.— Taylor Ashbrook 🏳️⚧️ (@taylor_ashbrook) October 5, 2021
“I stand with Terra Field. Netflix has long-benefited from playing to the queer community in its programming,” one user wrote. “To see their behaviour right now is not only appalling, but a steadfast reminder that corporations don’t see you as people; they see you only as a market.”
Netflix’s Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness and LGBTQ+ rights activist and writer Taylor Ashbrook also condemned the special.
The Closer is expected to be Chappelle’s last special.
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