Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos issued a strong defense of free speech while left-wing activists continued to attack his company over controversial jokes by Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais.
Sarandos made the comments during New York Times interview with Maureen Dodd.
He said he was surprised with some malice but was totally supportive of Chappelle because comedians need to cross the line now and then.
“I think it’s very important for American culture in general to have freedom of speech,” he explained.
Both Chappelle and Gervais have been targeted by LGBTQ activists for comments they made during their comedy specials on the streaming service.
“We program for many diverse people with different opinions, different tastes, and different styles, and yet we don’t make everything for everyone. We want something for everyone, but not everything is for everyone,” Sarandos said.
Earlier in May, the company clarified that in a note For employees that if they feel offended by comments made during comedy specials, they should look for work elsewhere.
The memo added: “As employees, we support the principle that Netflix offers a variety of stories, even if we find certain titles conflicting with our personal values. Depending on your role, you may need to work on titles that you believe are harmful.” .
Sarandos He said Surprised, many conservatives celebrated the company’s statement in support of free speech.
He explained, “It’s been a very liberal cause, so it’s a fun time to live in. I’ve always said if we censor in the United States, how are we going to defend our content in the Middle East?”
He also issued another clear statement in support of Chappelle.
“It was an opportunity to take someone, as in the case of Dave, who is, by all accounts, the comedian of our generation, the most popular comedian on Netflix for sure,” Sarandos concluded. thoughtful or smart. You just don’t agree with him.”
Here’s more about the Netflix controversies:
Netflix & Ricky Gervais Face Backlash for Trans Jokes | e! News
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