Netflix has fired an employee for allegedly leaking financial data that detailed how much the company paid for Dave Chappelle’s latest — and highly controversial — comedy special, “The Closer.”
The streaming service has been in the throes of a firestorm because of Chappelle’s incendiary remarks about trans and LGBTQ individuals in his special. The situation was exacerbated by the company’s flippant response to the backlash, which has irked Netflix employees, comics and others who have called for the hit stand-up special to be pulled from the platform.
“We have let go of an employee for sharing confidential, commercially sensitive information outside the company,” a Netflix spokesperson told the Hollywood Reporter and Variety on Friday. “We understand this employee may have been motivated by disappointment and hurt with Netflix, but maintaining a culture of trust and transparency is core to our company.”
LGBTQ+ employees behind Netflix’s ‘Most’ Twitter account say ‘the last couple of weeks have been hard’ after the release of Dave Chappelle’s ‘The Closer.’
Oct. 15, 2021
Representatives for Netflix did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment.
Citing internal documents, Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Netflix paid $24.1 million for “The Closer,” with at least 10 million people watching it since it launched on Oct. 1. The article also said Netflix spent $23.6 million on Chappelle’s 2019 special, “Sticks & Stones,” and also publicized how much Netflix paid for Bo Burnham’s “Inside” ($3.9 million) and the runaway South Korean hit “Squid Game” ($21.4 million).
Netflix employees raised concerns about offensive material in Chappelle’s latest outing, which got him briefly “canceled” and has resulted in a PR nightmare for the streamer. The employees, some of whom have planned a walkout next week, reportedly warned executives that his jokes about gender-neutral pronouns and transgender genitalia was potentially inflammatory and damaging, Bloomberg reported.
In Screen Gab No. 9, we explore the history behind the Dave Chappelle controversy, refresh your ‘Succession’ memory and recommend streaming thrillers.
Oct. 15, 2021
Earlier this week, Netflix suspended three employees for allegedly attending a quarterly business review meeting where executives would discuss the Chappelle special. Those employees have since been reinstated, but it’s unclear if any of them were the employee who was fired.
Comedian Hannah Gadsby, whose specials “Nanette” and “Douglas” are available on the platform, excoriated Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos Friday for issuing a memo that mentioned Gadsby as an example of the streamer’s diverse programming.
Instead of using ‘creative freedom’ to justify Chappelle’s special, Netflix should just say what it means: Inclusion is great but money is better.
Oct. 12, 2021
In a strange turn of social-media events, Sarandos’ daughter, Sarah, came to her dad’s defense — and Chappelle’s.
“Just saying they are offensive jokes is too simple — they are really thought provoking, and as we all know, he is an equal opportunity provoker... everybody knows that about Dave Chappelle, Netflix likes that about Dave Chappelle, they’re standing by their original decision: they wanted a thought provoking special. Period,” she wrote on Instagram Stories Friday.
FAQs
The second special, which does not have a release date, will highlight Donnell Rawlings. In 2016, Chappelle signed a lucrative deal with Netflix that paid him $20 million for each special he released on the streaming service.
How much did Dave get from Netflix? ›
In 2016, he signed a $20-million-per-release comedy-special deal with Netflix and released six stand-up specials under the deal.
How much did Dave Chappelle get paid for Dreamer? ›
Along with The Age of Spin, Deep in the Heart of Texas, Equanimity, The Bird Revelation and Sticks & Stones, The Dreamer marks the seventh collaboration between the comedian and Netflix, following a $20-million-per-release deal that Chappelle signed in 2016.
What are Dave Chappelle Netflix specials in order? ›
Chappelle's previous Netflix specials include “The Age of Spin” (2017), “Deep in the Heart of Texas” (2017), “Equanimity” (2017), “The Bird Revelation” (2017), “Sticks & Stones” (2019) and “The Closer” (2021). “Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer” premieres globally on Netflix Dec.
Who has the highest paid Netflix special? ›
- Amy Schumer — $13 million. Amy Schumer's "The Leather Special." Netflix. ...
- Ellen DeGeneres — $20 million to $25 million. Netflix. ...
- Ricky Gervais — $40 million. Ricky Gervais' "Humanity." Netflix. ...
- Chris Rock — $40 million. Chris Rock's "Tamborine." Netflix. ...
- Dave Chappelle — $60 million. ...
- Jerry Seinfeld — $100 million.
Dave Chappelle net worth growth over the years
| Year | Dave Chappelle's net worth |
|---|
| 2024 | $70 million |
| 2023 | $60 million |
| 2022 | $55 million |
| 2021 | $52 million |
23 more rowsApr 11, 2024
In a January 2024 interview with Shannon Sharpe, Williams claimed that he made almost $10million just from his 2022 Netflix comedy special World War III. He also said that he can earn over $100,000 for every comedy show he performs, suggesting he has a lot more than $2million in the bank.
How much was Mo Nique paid for Netflix Special? ›
In 2017, Netflix offered Mo'Nique $500,000 to star in her own comedy special, but the Oscar-winning actor claimed the streamer was low-balling her and that the offer was discriminatory.
How much is the Netflix franchise worth? ›
Market cap: $248.95 Billion
As of April 2024 Netflix has a market cap of $248.95 Billion. This makes Netflix the world's 42th most valuable company by market cap according to our data.
What does Elaine Chappelle do for a living? ›
When she was just 9 years old, she landed her first movie gig and got to act alongside her father in the 2018 film A Star is Born. Dave played Jackson Maine's (Bradley Cooper) best friend Noodles, while Sanaa played his daughter.
Where was Dave Chappelle Dreamer filmed? ›
The Dreamer was shot in Chappelle's hometown of Washington, DC at the historic Lincoln Theatre. The special was directed by Emmy-winner Stan Lathan, who previously helmed Chappelle's other Netflix specials.
Which comedian has the most comedy specials? ›
Actress and comedian Kathy Griffin (USA) has hosted 20 televised stand-up comedy specials since debuting with “HBO Comedy Half-Hour” in October 1996.
Who is Chris Rock married to? ›
Personal life. Rock married Malaak Compton-Rock on November 23, 1996. Compton-Rock is the founder and executive director of StyleWorks, a non-profit, full-service hair salon that provides free services for women leaving welfare and entering the workforce.
Is Dave Chappelle going on tour in 2024? ›
Catch Dave Chappelle, Live on Stage in 2024!
So if you want to join the fun in 2024, then don't miss out. Just check back to learn more about upcoming Dave Chappelle Tour 2024 dates and available seating options, and get your tickets as soon as you can!
How much did Chris get paid for his Netflix special? ›
This event also doubled as the first time the veteran comedian addressed his infamous slap from Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars. According to a 2016 report from The Hollywood Reporter, Rock's Saturday special was part of a $40 million deal he made with Netflix for two stand-up specials.
How much did Chris Rock get for his Netflix special? ›
Chris Rock reportedly earned a massive amount of $20 million from his recent Netflix comedy special according to reports.
