As a result of recent jokes from his brand new Netflix special ‘The Closer’, Dave Chappelle has found himself at the center of controversy, criticism, and more. The 48-year-old comedian has supposedly made some objectionable jokes. Many have labeled the jokes as Transphobic. Amidst everything, the Netflix Special was asked to be pulled down.

The one-hour special titled ‘Dave Chappelle The Closer’ released this Tuesday on Netflix. In the episode, the comedian took the stage to attempt at setting a few things straight.

What is the controversy about?

Dave Chappelle makes millions through Netflix Specials; one of which, ‘The Closer‘ released this past Tuesday. The comedian’s comments and views about the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans-community, have put him in the eye of the tornado.

When voicing his views about the community, he says, “Gender is a fact.” Consequently, expressing his support for the ‘Harry Potter’ author J. K. Rowling; The author is pretty infamous for her anti-trans beliefs. Dave claims that he is ‘team TERF’, i.e., Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist.

Dave Chappelle – The Closer and what people said about it

Drian Juarez, an LA-based trans-activist came out and said, “Words have consequences and people with platforms like Mr. Chappelle’s have a higher responsibility to be aware of that and to recognize that what they say leads to actions by others.”

GLAAD, an American media monitoring organization, spoke on the issue and tweeted, “Dave Chappelle’s brand has become synonymous with ridiculing trans people and other marginalized communities. Negative reviews and viewers loudly condemning his latest special is a message to the industry that audiences don’t support platforming anti-LGBTQ diatribes. We agree.”

Chappelle and Netflix’s comments

There has been no official statement from Dave Chappelle and Netflix, but the streaming service is promoting the special.

Importantly, the comedian took a dig against the haters. He went in front of a crowd in Los Angeles and said, “If this is what being canceled is about, I love it.” The 48-year-old comedian, addressing an audience of 18,000 at the screening of ‘Untitled: Dave Chappelle Documentary’, got more specific and said, “F–k Twitter. F–k NBC News, ABC News, all these stupid a** networks. I’m not talking to them. I’m talking to you. This is real life.”

‘Dave Chappelle: The Closer’ was rated 4th in Netflix’s weekly rankings.