Netflix CEO argues that Chappelle’s new special, criticized as transphobic, is too popular to cancel

FILE – In this Oct. 27, 2019 file photo, Dave Chappelle is honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. Chappelle is set to buy a former fire station near his Ohio hometown with plans to turn it into a comedy club. The Dayton Daily News reports that the Miami Twp. Fire Station in Yellow Springs will be sold to the 47-year-old actor’s company and turned into a club that will seat 140 people. (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File)

Netflix CEO argues that Chappelle’s new special, criticized as transphobic, is too popular to cancel Despite receiving criticism suggesting Dave Chappelle’s new special “The Closer” is transphobic, Netflix has no plans for its removal. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-chief executive, shared an internal memo that indicated that Chappelle’s special is too popular for cancellation. In the memo, Sarandos wrote that “our members enjoy it, and it’s an important part of our content offering.” “Chappelle is one of the most popular stand-up comedians today, and we have a long standing deal with him,” Sarandos said in the memo. “His last special ‘Sticks & Stones,’ also controversial, is our most watched, stickiest and most award winning stand-up special to date.” As of Tuesday, Chappelle’s special was the third most watched on the streaming platform.