Dave Chappelle: The Closer Now

Despite the controversy, the special received multiple accolades, including two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) and Outstanding Directing.

Released in October 2021, Dave Chappelle: The Closer is the sixth and final installment of Chappelle's comedy special series for Netflix . While it was a viewership success, ranking as the fourth most popular title on the platform shortly after its debut, it became one of the most polarizing cultural moments in recent comedy history due to its commentary on the LGBTQ+ community. Dave Chappelle: The Closer

Chappelle spent significant portions of the special addressing his history with the LGBTQ+ community, specifically making jokes about gender identity and transgender people. Rowling’s views on biological sex

The special concludes with a moving, 10-minute story about his late friend, Daphne Dorman, a transgender comedian who defended him during previous controversies. The Industry Backlash 10-minute story about his late friend

Chappelle identified himself as "Team TERF" (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) while defending Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s views on biological sex.

The special ignited internal and external protests that pressured Netflix leadership.