Giving other stand-ups 'their time to shine'

Dave Chappelle is to introduce four new comedy specials for Netflix, as the streaming service gives renewed backing to the controversial comedian.

The stand-up - who has been under fire for his material targetting trans people - will also be executive producer on the series, titled Chappelle’s Home Team.

Each will feature a different, well-established comic, starting with Earthquake (real name Nathaniel Martin Stroman) whose show Legendary, premieres on February 28.

Another special will feature Donnell Rawlings, but the other two comics taking park have not yet been named.

'I’ve been doing this a long time and comedians like Quake and Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,' Chappelle said. 'Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.'

Chappelle's last special The Closer, which contained material widely slammed as transphobic, was the last of six he made for the platform under a deal said to be worth more than $60million.

Despite the controversy, the comic will also headline the Netflix Is A Joke comedy festival the company is staging in Los Angeles in May.

Published: 19 Feb 2022