Netflix boss Ted Sarandos defends Dave Chapelle's comedy special in internal memo

Netflix's Ted Sarandos, in an internal memo, has addressed the controversy around Dave Chappelle's recent comedy special, The Closer. He said that the show does not cross “the line on hate”, and will not be pulled out from the streamer's library. The show was criticised for the comedian's remarks against the transgender community.

Sarandos said that the streamer has had a long association with the comedian, and his last special Sticks & Stones has been the most-watched despite its controversial content. "...we work hard to support their creative freedom — even though this means there will always be content on Netflix some people believe is harmful," he said, according to Variety.

Sarandos also spoke about their past releases like Cuties, 13 Reasons Why, and My Unorthodox Life that had also come under fire in the past. 

The memo procured by Variety, was sent following Netflix's quarterly business review for senior executives, which was crashed by three employees. All three, including one who identifies as trans and had criticised Chappell's special on Twitter, have been suspended. 

While Netflix did not comment on the contents of the memo, it did address reports of the employees' suspsension. "It is absolutely untrue to say that we have suspended any employees for tweeting about this show. Our employees are encouraged to disagree openly and we support their right to do so,” Netflix said in a statement.