Dave Chappelle Releases New Surprise Netflix Special, Defends Previous Trans Jokes

Dave Chappelle has quietly released another Netflix special, titled “What’s in a Name,” where he addressed his recent controversies, including his comments regarding the LGBTQ+ community.

On Thursday, the streamer unleashed the stand-up with no notice or publicity. The show included a 40-minute speech that Chappelle had given at his alma mater, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., back in June. That address was initially part of a ceremony to rename the school’s theater after Chappelle. However, following backlash for his special, “The Closer,” the comedian opted to name the facility the Theater for Artistic Freedom and Expression.

During the performance, the 48-year-old defended his jokes regarding the trans community and shared that trying to censor him would only fuel his need to express himself through his comedy.

“The more you say I can’t say something, the more urgent it is for me to say it. And it has nothing to do with what you’re saying, I can’t say. It has everything to do with my right, my freedom of artistic expression,” Chappelle said.

In “The Closer,” Chappelle made remarks about gender being factual and supported “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, who shared similar sentiments.

Netflix and the “Half Baked” star have received widespread objection since “The Closer” was released in 2021. The popular stand-up led to Netflix employees staging a walkout, demanding the platform remove Chappelle’s work. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended the comedian, and “The Closer” remained available to view.

It appears that the critics did not phase either of them, as “What’s in a Name” is becoming the latest widely viewed special from the comic on Netflix.