WATCH: Scuffles and Shouting Break Out Between Pro-Chappelle and Anti-Netflix Factions at Employee Walkout and Protest
Frederic J. Brown/AFP, Getty Images
On Wednesday, a sizeable group of employees staged a walk-out at the Netflix headquarters in protest of a comedy special from Dave Chappelle and the company’s handling of complaints related to it.
The employees who walked out were joined by non-employee supporters and protesters, as well as some stars. Some carried signs with messages like “Transphobia is Not a Joke” and “Black Trans Lives Matter.”
Netflix employees participate in a walkout to support their trans colleagues and protest the company’s continued support of Dave Chappelle’s most recent special.
You can also see a list of their demands here: https://t.co/jQ1eQECJjy pic.twitter.com/DqbzHNvhdz
— The Recount (@therecount) October 20, 2021
RuPaul’s Drag Race star @eurekaohara speaks at the Netflix employee walkout over Dave Chapelle’s latest special:
“Your jokes are promoting hateful and discriminatory behavior and conversation, and that is what hurts us.” pic.twitter.com/n5PnLQNpzT
— The Recount (@therecount) October 20, 2021
Those groups were also joined in the area by opposition protesters who were demonstrating in support of Dave Chappelle’s free speech, some carrying signs that read “Jokes Are Funny” or “We Like Dave” or of course, “Dave is Funny.”
One of those signs so upset the anti-Netflix crowd that they silenced it, too, yanking it from the person carrying it, breaking and stomping it, and then shouting that the protester “has a weapon” about the remains of the sign.
That video and many others, along with photos from the event show, the two opposing groups and other scenes from the walkout and protest. Some of the outlets on scene include The Hollywood Reporter, The Recount, CBS Los Angeles, and other local outlets.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP, Getty Images
Frederic J. Brown/AFP, Getty Images
Frederic J. Brown/AFP, Getty Images
A couple of people with signs supporting #DaveChappelle try to interrupt a rally in support of a Team Trans employee walkout outside the #Netflix building on Vine in #Hollywood. @CBSLA @KCBSKCALDesk pic.twitter.com/H72Tmuqdbs
— John Schreiber (@johnschreiber) October 20, 2021
Protest has grown over last hour or so, now hundreds in the Netflix courtyard. More employees apparently on their way from other offices pic.twitter.com/glyry9dl2P
— Kirsten Chuba (@KirstenChuba) October 20, 2021
More from the protest pic.twitter.com/Ks5JdgjoST
— Kirsten Chuba (@KirstenChuba) October 20, 2021
.@AshleeMPreston calls out Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos:
“We are here today not because we don’t know how to take a joke, we’re here because we’re concerned that the jokes are taking lives.” pic.twitter.com/5dt8T7ntCG
— The Recount (@therecount) October 20, 2021
A large group of people are gathered in the courtyard of #Netflix on Vine St to protest the streaming giant’s release of a #DaveChappelle special that includes transphobic jokes. They are calling for reforms at Netflix including investment in trans talent and creators. @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/PxvYPXwBIL
— John Schreiber (@johnschreiber) October 20, 2021
At today’s Netflix walkout, where “trans lives matter” chants are going up against Chappelle supporters shouting “I like jokes” pic.twitter.com/eX1qHgdj7R
— Kirsten Chuba (@KirstenChuba) October 20, 2021
This post may be updated with more video.
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