Netflix CEO Reed Hastings praised comedian Dave Chappelle and Twitter CEO Elon Musk amid recent meltdowns from the left.
Chappelle’s recent special, “The Closer,” was criticized by those on the left for allegedly being transphobic. But Hastings said Wednesday at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit that the company would order more comedy specials from Chappelle “again and again,” according to The Verge.
“We’re just trying to be the most exciting entertainment company and more,” Hastings said. “That special was one of the most entertaining watch specials we’ve ever had. We would do it again and again.”
Hastings said Chappelle is “very entertaining and provocative.” (RELATED: Dave Chappelle And Netflix Teaming Up For 11-Day Comedy Festival With Superstar Comedians)
Netflix employees staged a walkout in protest of “The Closer.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 30: Andrew Ross Sorkin speaks with Netflix founder and Co-CEO Reed Hastings during the New York Times DealBook Summit in the Appel Room at the Jazz At Lincoln Center on November 30, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Hastings also heaped praise on Musk for his “phenomenal” work in “multiple areas.”
“[Musk is] the bravest, most creative person on the planet,” Hastings added, noting Musk “believes in free speech and the powers of democracy.”
“[I am] 100% convinced that [Elon Musk] is trying to help the world in all of his endeavors.”
“People are so picky on, the blue check mark, and yes he’s making a mess of some things. Can you give the guy a break?” Hastings said. “This guy just spent all this money trying to make things better for democracy and society, to have a more open platform, and I am sympathetic to that agenda.”
Musk and Apple have publicly sparred in recent days after there was a dispute over whether Apple would remove the Twitter app from the App Store. Musk later confirmed Wednesday the dispute had been resolved.