Dave Chappelle’s representative is speaking.
Earlier this month, the comedian faced backlash for transphobic comments he made during his new special, The Closer.
In a statement with People, Dave’s rep shared that he was open to talks with Netflix employees about the content in his special.
“Dave stands by his Art. Both sides of the street are talking and Dave is listening. At some point, when everyone is open, I’m sure our communities will come together,” the rep told the outlet.
Transgender activist Ashlee Marie Preston, who organized a staff walkout at Netflix on Wednesday (October 20), claims Dave was asked to participate in a conversation about the particular loss she had on the trans community.
“Dave Chappelle was not ‘canceled.’ He’s been invited to the table for transformative dialogue but won’t show up,” Ashlee wrote on Twitter. “That’s not ‘cancel culture,’ but an avoidance of accountability. He’s no victim. The man is worth $50M. Unlike many trans people his comedy stigmatizes— he’ll live.”
Dave’s rep denied that Ashley reached out to the comedian about the walk-out and said she was open to talks with any group.