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
Despite the controversy, the special received multiple accolades, including two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) and Outstanding Directing.
Chappelle identified himself as "Team TERF" (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) while defending Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s views on biological sex. Dave Chappelle: The Closer
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.
Chappelle spent significant portions of the special addressing his history with the LGBTQ+ community, specifically making jokes about gender identity and transgender people. The special concludes with a moving, 10-minute story
Professional critics gave it a much lower approval rating (around 40%), with some describing it as "joyless" or "preachy".
The special is framed as a "closing" of Chappelle's long-standing dialogue with various social groups. Rowling’s views on biological sex
Netflix employees organized a mass walkout to protest the company’s decision to platform the special.