In what is extremely disappointing news, a not-funny transphobic Netflix comedy special was nominated for the 74th Emmy Awards.

Let me repeat: Emmy voters watched Dave Chappelle: The Closer and decided that Dave Chappelle delivered one of the best specials of the year. If you need a reminder, Chappelle is once again transphobic and also delves into antisemitic territory. And once again, voters watched this and decided it is worth of an Emmy. The Academy gives Will Smith a ten-year ban for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars. Meanwhile, Dave Chappelle gets an Emmy nomination for being transphobic? For an industry that always puts out statements during Pride Month, they are doing a pathetic job at being a transgender ally. You do not get to say you’re an ally when you do stunts like this.

One, Chappelle openly defends transphobic author J.K. Rowling and refers to himself as a member of “Team TERF.” This is what you are endorsing when you nominate a transphobe. As if this isn’t already enough, Chappelle goes into antisemitic territory with jokes about Space Jews. I’m sorry but you don’t get to tell Jewish jokes in this manner. If you need a refresher, here’s a Twitter thread on how offensive his material is:

Too many people are not understanding the antisemitism behind Dave Chappelle's "Space Jews" joke, so let's go through it all, shall we?

(A long thread because it includes the transcript of both "Space Jews" jokes).

— Sasha G (she/her) (@SashLG413) October 7, 2021

The industry should not reward comedians for transphobia or antisemitism. The Television Academy should be ashamed for nominating this special. Nominating Changing the Game isn’t enough to absolve their guilt. Moreover, shame on Netflix for continuing to platform this material let alone give it any kind of awards push. Listen, I might cover what is coming and leaving every month but that’s more or less because it’s a public service. Platforming transphobia is a reason why Netflix is losing subscribers.

The 74th Emmy Awards will air September 12, 2022 at 8:00-11:00 PM EDT/5:00-8:00 PM PDT on NBC and will stream live on Peacock.

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