Here's What's Happening With Dave Chappelle, Netflix's CEO, And Hannah Gadsby

    "Now I have to deal with even more of the hate and anger that Dave Chappelle's fans like to unleash on me."

    Natasha Jokic
    by Natasha Jokic

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Hannah Gadsby responded after Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos reportedly used her as an example of diversity in a memo to employees following the recent Dave Chappelle backlash.

    Hannah on the red carpet of a Netflix event
    Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images for Netflix

    Let's back things up: Dave Chappelle's new special, The Closer, was released on Netflix earlier this month and was met with wide criticism. Part of the critique focused on Dave's transphobia, as he called himself a TERF, praised J.K. Rowling, and made disparaging comments about trans women's genitals.

    David performing onstage
    Lester Cohen / WireImage / Getty Images

    This isn't the first time DC has been accused of transphobia — his 2018 specials garnered similar criticism. 

    The special subsequently received a ton of internal backlash at Netflix, with one employee being fired and others reportedly being suspended in its aftermath.

    David wearing a leather jacket that says Chappelle over a front pocket
    George Pimentel / Getty Images for TIFF

    The employee who was fired was the leader of the trans employee resource group, who organized an upcoming company walkout. They were suspected of leaking metrics about how much Dave was paid for the special to the press — more on that later.

    Enter Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos. In a leaked internal memo to employees, he defended the special, writing, "We are working hard to ensure marginalized communities aren’t defined by a single story. So we have Sex Education, Orange Is the New Black, Control Z, Hannah Gadsby and Dave Chappelle all on Netflix."

    Ted Sarandos at the Oscars
    Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    "In his special, Chappelle makes harsh jokes about many different groups, which is his style and a reason his fans love his comedy and commentary."

    Why Hannah Gadsby? Well, in case you didn’t know, Netflix released Hannah’s 2018 stand-up special Nanette — which currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The special itself deals with topics of homophobic and sexual violence, as well as Hannah's own identity as a lesbian.

    Hannah at a Netflix event
    Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images for Netflix

    So, following the leaking of Ted's memo, Hannah took to Instagram to voice her thoughts on being included: "Hey Ted Sarandos! Just a quick note to let you know that I would prefer if you didn't drag my name into your mess."

    She then referenced the alleged $24.1 million Netflix paid for the special, writing, "Now I have to deal with even more of the hate and anger that Dave Chappelle's fans like to unleash on me every time Dave gets 20 million dollars to process his emotionally stunted partial world view."

    A billboard for Dave Chappelle's speciaal The Closer
    Aaronp / GC Images / Getty Images

    For context, all of Squid Game reportedly cost Netflix $21.4 million. 

    "You didn't pay me nearly enough to deal with the real world consequences of the hate speech dog whistling you refuse to acknowledge, Ted. Fuck you and your amoral algorithm cult," she continued.

    Hannah speaking into a microphone on stage
    Roberto Ricciuti / Getty Images

    "I do shits with more back bone than you. That's just a joke! I definitely didn't cross a line because you just told the world there isn't one," Hannah concluded.

    Lisa Maree Williams / Getty Images for Hamilton Australia

    In the caption, Hannah then wrote, "Yes I watched the whole thing. Leave me alone. #transisbeautiful #comedyisdead #ikilledit."

    Charley Gallay / Getty Images for AFI

    We'll keep you posted if Netflix responds to Hannah's statement.