Netflix Asks Employees To Quit If They’re Offended By Streamer’s Content

Netflix is the most popular streaming service in the world today. The streaming giant has more than 200 million subscribers worldwide, but there is a noticeable downward trend. Netflix staff were recently told in an internal memo that if they are offended by the streamer’s “content breadth,” then they should leave.

The comment appears to be in response to Dave Chappelle’s contentious stand-up special, “The Closer,” which sparked a walkout by LGBTQ employees and allies in protest of his anti-trans and homophobic jokes. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO at the time, supported Chappelle, and now he’s gone even further, warning employees that if anyone should go anyplace, it should be them.

As employees we support the principle that Netflix offers a diversity of stories, even if we find some titles counter to our own personal values. Depending on your role, you may need to work on titles you perceive to be harmful. If you’d find it hard to support our content breadth, Netflix may not be the best place for you.

During his hour-long comedy set, Chappelle made a series of jokes about trans women’s genitalia, argued that “gender is a reality,” and called the LGBTQ+ community “too sensitive.” Netflix employees staged a walkout shortly after the show premiered to show their collective distaste of the comedian’s living quarters.

The mutiny, however, had no effect on Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, who stuck by Chappelle and proceeded to air the special. The company’s newly circulated letter also served as a warning to any remaining disgruntled cogs, reiterating its commitment to promoting artistic expression.

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