Netflix defends special Dave Chappelle comedy controversy.

Netflix Inc. co-CEO Ted Sarandos has defended the company’s decision to air a special Dave Chappelle comedy controversy highlighting trans jokes as “artistic freedom.”

“We do not allow names [on] Netflix that are designed to incite hatred or violence, and we do not think ‘The Closer’ crosses that line,” he wrote in a note obtained last week by Monday. “Especially in standing, artistic freedom is definitely a very different level of expression than what we allow within because the goals are different: entertaining people against maintaining a dignified and productive workplace.”

The company also suspended three employees Monday who suspended a management meeting last week, along with Terra Field, a gender worker who spoke out against a special Chappelle, according to someone who knows the matter.

“What we are protesting against is the impact it has on society (especially people of color) and especially black women,” Field wrote in a series of viral tweets this week.

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