Netflix Employees Protesting Dave Chappelle Special Encounter Resistance From Counter Protestors

Hundreds of Netflix employees and their supporters staged a walkout today to protest the streamer’s decision to release and defend Dave Chappelle‘s comedy special The Closer, in spite of the comedian’s derogatory remarks about the trans community. However, the rally grew tense at times, as Chappelle fans and counter-protestors also showed up.

Netflix has faced backlash since The Closer premiered two weeks ago. The Chappelle controversy has also translated into internal unrest: One walkout organizer was fired for allegedly leaking confidential data to Bloomberg, and three since-reinstated employees who had publicly spoken out against the special were suspended for attending an executive meeting. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has received additional criticism for insisting in a company memo that “content on screen doesn’t directly translate to real-world harm” (he has since said he “screwed up,” but stands by The Closer).

At the rally, media personality Ashlee Marie Preston revealed that she and other organizers had invited Chappelle to speak to them, but were turned down.

“We’re up against the emergence of a hate economy,” Preston said today. “And there is this manipulation of algorithmic science that distorts the way that we perceive ourselves and others. And I think that companies like Netflix, Facebook, and Instagram, they play into it, and they monetize it. And so I think that it is important to show up today.”

According to Deadline editor Dominic Patten, Transparent creator Joey Soloway, who was present at the walkout, demanded the inclusion of a trans person on “the Netflix fucking board.”

Chappelle defenders were also present at the event, carrying signs with slogans like “Jokes Are Funny” and “Netflix Don’t Cancel Free Speech.” At times, the situation grew tense, as counter protestors pushed against trans speakers. “We are protesting this walkout. They have the right to do it, but we have the right to stand up for Dave Chappelle and his freedom of expression,” attendee Gigi LaRoux told Variety.

Walkout organizers have presented Sarandos with a list of demands calling for the recruitment of trans people (especially trans people of color) for leadership roles and the creation of a new fund to specifically develop trans and non-binary talent, among other measures. Organizers are also reportedly working on a public service announcement delivered by celebrities who have worked with Netflix, including Jonathan Van Ness, Angelica Ross, Colton Haynes, and more.

A number of the streamer’s top talent have also criticized Sarandos and spoken out in support of the walkout. Comedian Hannah Gadsby, whose specials Nanette and Douglas are on Netflix, released an Instagram statement slamming the executive for naming her in a company memo. “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,” she wrote. “Fuck you and your amoral algorithm cult.”

Umbrella Academy star Elliot Page tweeted in support of the walkout, writing, “I stand with the trans, nonbinary, and BIPOC employees at Netflix fighting for more and better trans stories and a more inclusive workplace.”

“#NetflixWalkout If you’re not standing with trans lives, you need to take a good look at who you ARE standing with,” tweeted Sense8 creator Lilly Wachowski. “Good luck today everybody!”

In a statement released prior to the walkout, Netflix said, “We value our trans colleagues and allies, and understand the deep hurt that’s been caused. We respect the decision of any employee who chooses to walk out, and recognize we have much more work to do within Netflix and in our content.”