Dave Chappelle, the legendary comedian, has once again caused a stir in the entertainment industry after winning a Grammy award for his Netflix special “The Closer,” which many have criticized for being transphobic. The comedian’s win has sparked a heated debate about the role of humor and trans rights in society, with many questioning the decision of the Grammy Awards to honor Chappelle’s controversial work.
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On Sunday, he was chosen as the best comic over competitors Louis C.K. (Sorry), Jim Gaffigan (Comedy Monster), Randy Rainbow (A Little Brains, A Little Talent), and Patton Oswalt (We All Scream). This is Chappelle’s fourth Grammy victory, which comes from C.K.’s contentious triumph for Sincerely Louis CK last year, his first comedy album since his sexual misconduct disclosures.
Since Chappelle could not be present at the Grammys Premiere Ceremony, where the comedy album prize and many other Grammy awards were given out this year, presenter Babyface collected the award in his place.
The CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason jr., said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter after Chappelle and C.K. were nominated for the 2023 Grammys, “We don’t control who the voters vote for.”
“If the voters feel like a creator deserves a nomination, they’re going to vote for them,” Mason jr. said, addressing controversial nominees. “We’re never going to be in the business of deciding someone’s moral position or where we evaluate them to be on the scale of morality. I think our job is to evaluate the art and the quality of the art. We can ensure that all of our spaces are safe and that people don’t feel threatened by anyone. But as far as the nominations or the awards, we really let the voters make that decision.”
After receiving two Emmy nominations, The Closer premiered on Netflix on October 5, 2021, and was met with immediate criticism. There were complaints that several of the jokes on the hour-long comedy event were transphobic or homophobic.
Chappelle stands for DaBaby in the episode after the rapper was booted from many festivals because of his homophobic outburst. And he publicly sides with J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, who has taken anti-trans postures, saying that he is on “team TERF,” an acronym for “trans-exclusionary radical feminist,” an ideology that denies trans women the right to identify as women. When addressing racism within the LGBTQ community, Chappelle was criticized by members of the Black LGBTQ community for failing to recognize that queer and trans individuals are not only white.
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A few days after the special’s release, when it was already drawing criticism (including remarks from GLAAD and the National Black Justice Coalition), Chappelle screened his documentary Untitled: Dave Chappelle Documentary to a standing ovation at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. However, The Dave Chappelle Hollywood Bowl performance was removed from Netflix’s comedy festival. “If this is what being canceled is like, I love it,” he said. “Fuck Twitter. Fuck NBC News, ABC News, and all these stupid ass networks. I’m not talking to them. I’m talking to you. This is real life.”
There would be criticism of the special both online and off. Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, reassured employees in two messages that the company would not be removing the special The Closer in response to the criticism it has received. Many employees at Netflix responded with a virtual walkout and a public demonstration outside the company’s Los Angeles headquarters.
The statements Sarandos sent to his employees were later retracted because they “lacked humanity” and because “content onscreen may have an impact in the real world, positive and negative.” However, he reaffirmed his earlier position that the special was consistent with the streamer’s attitude toward “artistic expression,” He told THR that he did not believe it was “appropriate” to put any disclaimer at the beginning of the special. Jaclyn Moore also announced why she would no longer work with Netflix.
Chappelle’s latest stand-up special, “The Closer,” premiered on Netflix, and she commented after watching it. I love so many of the people I’ve worked with at Netflix. Brilliant people and executives who have been collaborative and fought for important art… But I’ve been thrown against walls because “I’m not a ‘real’ woman.” I’ve had beer bottles thrown at me. So, @Netflix, I’m done. Jacklyn stated
The Closer was the last part in Chappelle and Netflix’s $60 million four-special contract, including the releases of Equanimity & The Bird Revelation and Sticks & Stones. Netflix announced in February 2022 that they would be airing a series starring Chappelle called Chappelle’s Home Team, which would consist of four stand-up comedy specials.
Dave Chappelle’s “The Closer” has been criticized by members of the LGBTQ+ community for allegedly promoting transphobia. Since the trans community has spoken out against Dave Chappelle’s current spectacular, The Closer, it has been claimed that Netflix is considering adding a content disclaimer before it is made available to users.
