Netflix has fired the leader who was planning the transgender employee walkout to protest the new Dave Chappelle special.
The individual fired was the leader of the trans employee resource group and was responsible for organizing the Oct. 20 walkout. They are black and pregnant, and their identity has not been revealed.
“We have let go of an employee for sharing confidential, commercially sensitive information outside the company”, a spokesperson for Netflix said. They were fired on suspicion of leaking data related to the Dave Chappelle special.
Netflix said “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”.
The Closer, Chappelle’s new special, has caused a lot of controversy as many deemed his comments transphobic. They have also criticized Netflix”s allowance of the show.
Employees had the numbers for how many people watched the special and how much Netflix paid for it. They shared the information with the company but did not spread it out of fear it would affect the walkout.
I recognize, however, that distinguishing between commentary and harm is hard, especially with stand-up comedy which exists to push boundaries. Some people find the art of stand-up to be mean-spirited but our members enjoy it, and it’s an important part of our content offering.
Ted Sarandos
The unnamed employee leaked confidential financial data to Bloomberg. It was reported that Netflix spent $24.1 million on Chappelle’s special.
The walkout is set to occur the day after a virtual event for the company. Employees will be able to talk about the show and how it affects transgender people.