Dave Chappelle has been embroiled in controversy since the October 5 premiere of his latest Netflix stand-up special, The Closer.Jokes perceived by many to be transphobic in the show have created a backlash, including Netflix employees planning a walkout for October 20, and a statement from GLAAD condemning Chappelle.Making jokes at the expense of the LGBTQ+ community—especially transgender people—is hardly a new part of the comedian's routine, though.
Chappelle has made offensive remarks about the community for years, including on prior specials still available on Netflix.Among jokes that sparked anger in The Closer is this one: "Gender is a fact.