Netflix Fires Employee Who Leaked Info On Dave Chappelle’s Controversial Special

Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special, The Closer, continues to generate controversy. It has been singled out for containing jokes on sensitive topics. Now, Netflix, which helmed the TV special, say they’ve fired an employee for going public about The Closer’s financial information.

The streaming giant said in an statement shared via The Hollywood Reporter, “We have let go of an employee for sharing confidential, commercially sensitive information outside the company,” The statement went on to say that Netflix understood this employee may have been motivated by “disappointment and hurt” with the company.

“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 alleged whistleblower told Bloomberg that Netflix spent over $24 million on The Closer and $23.6 million on the comedian’s 2019 show, “Sticks & Stones.” It is worth mentioning that “Squid Game,” which recently became the most streamed title on Netflix, was produced for $21.4 million.

Complex revealed that the recently released employee was the head of the company’s trans employee resource group, which was moving ahead with its plans to hold an internal walkout on October 20 over Netflix’s refusal to budge. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos responded to the criticism earlier this week, saying the company doesn’t see The Closer as something that could provoke violence or incite hate.

“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.”

“I recognize, however, that distinguishing between commentary and harm is hard, especially with stand-up comedy which exists to push boundaries. Some people find the art of stand-up to be mean-spirited but our members enjoy it, and it’s an important part of our content offering.”

Chappelle, on the other hand, is unapologetic about all the drama and controversy caused by his latest comedy special, even telling audience at The Hollywood Bowl this Thursday night that he “loves being cancelled.”

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