Netflix CEO Defends Chappelle Over Trans Jokes Again, Gervais Now Too

Dave Chappelle and others – like Ricky Gervais – are free to do all the jokes they want on Netflix, including ones about transgender people…again reaffirmed by his top dog.

The CEO of the streamer, Ted Sarandostripled in his defense with the NYTsaying he views the airing of such specials — such as DC’s “The Closer” or Gervais’ new “SuperNature” — as freedom of expression…a value he believes is being lost in American society.

He says, “I think it’s very important for American culture in general to have freedom of expression,” adding, “We program for a lot of diverse people who have different opinions, different tastes, and styles. different… We want something for everyone, but not everything will be for everyone.”

Sarandos went on to say that the decision to support Dave was actually not a difficult one – seeing how he is the comedian of our generation, and how he discusses the issue in a nuanced and thoughtful way. Of course, that’s up for debate…those who are offended might say otherwise.

Following Chappelle’s tackle at the Hollywood Bowl, Netflix sent a note to its staff – basically saying, if you find some of our content so offensive, beat it.

You can tell Netflix is ​​sticking to its guns on this issue — not only have they allowed “The Closer” to stay on their platform, but they’ve signed even more Dave deals. And Sarandos even said the backlash for not censoring DC was oddly different than it once was.

He says, “That was a very liberal question, so it’s an interesting time we live in…I’ve always said that if we censor in the United States, how are we going to defend our content in the Middle East? East?” BTW, those comments also apply to Gervais who has come under fire for his own trans jokes.