Dave Chappelle has spoken out about the controversy over his Netflix special “The Closer” in a new standup video, saying that he is willing to meet with the transgender employees of the streamer. bit.ly/3CloX00
“It’s been said in the press that I was invited to speak to the transgender employees of Netflix and I refused. That is not true—if they had invited me I would have accepted it, although I am confused about what we would be speaking about,” Chappelle said. bit.ly/3CloX00
“I said what I said, and boy, I heard what you said. My God, how could I not? You said you want a safe working environment at Netflix. It seems like I’m the only one who can’t go to the office," Chappelle continued. bit.ly/3CloX00
Chappelle added, “To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience, but you will not summon me. I am not bending to anyone’s demands." bit.ly/3CloX00
“...Even though the media frames it that it’s me versus that community, that’s not what it is," Chappelle said. "Do not blame the LGBTQ community for any of this. It’s about corporate interests, and what I can say, and what I cannot say." bit.ly/3CloX00
Chappelle also claimed the situation has affected his upcoming documentary, saying, “They began disinviting me from these film festivals. And now, today, not a film company, not a movie studio, not a film festival, nobody will touch this film." bit.ly/3CloX00
A thread on the latest of what we know about the “Rust” movie shooting. bit.ly/2XJizk1
On Friday, an affidavit filed by the Santa Fe County’s Sheriff’s Office revealed that the gun handed to Alec Baldwin on the set of Western film was declared safe by the production’s assistant director. bit.ly/2XJizk1
According to the document obtained by the New York Times and Associated Press, the AD shouted “cold gun,” meaning that the prop gun was safe to use and did not contain any live ammo. bit.ly/2XJizk1
As the industry grapples with the tragic on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, a picture is emerging of a low-budget film set that was already chaotic before the fatal accident occurred. bit.ly/3C2tYKB
Several IATSE crew members on the New Mexico set where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed by a prop gun shot by Alec Baldwin reportedly quit the production because they felt producers were not following safety guidelines, according to reports. bit.ly/3C2tYKB
“Rust” began shooting Oct. 6 at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Sante Fe, and crew members had been observing safety problems for several days. bit.ly/3C2tYKB
Halyna Hutchins, the 'Rust' cinematographer who died after being shot by a prop gun containing a live round of ammunition, was a rising talent. Her friends are remembering her legacy as a consummate pro, loving wife, and an attentive mother. bit.ly/3vzjFLH
Sidra Smith, a casting director and producer who had worked with Hutchins on the mini-series “A Luv Tale,” remembered as “so young and so talented.” She added, “She was so beautifully gracious and words cannot express how supportive she was to me.” bit.ly/3vzjFLH
April Wright, a writer, director and producer, wrote: "I’m in disbelief. So young, vibrant, and talented. Such a wonderful soul. My heart goes out to her son and family." bit.ly/3vzjFLH
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is doubling down on his defense of Dave Chappelle following the mounting controversy around his latest comedy special: “We have a strong belief that content on screen doesn’t directly translate to real-world harm.” bit.ly/3lKZh7b
After addressing top leadership, Sarandos sent a lengthy missive on Monday to the entire company — some of whom have increasingly expressed outrage over jokes about the trans community in “The Closer,” and have scheduled a walkout protest in response. bit.ly/3lKZh7b
“We know that a number of you have been left angry, disappointed and hurt by our decision to put Dave Chappelle’s latest special on Netflix,” Sarandos wrote in an email obtained by Variety. bit.ly/3lKZh7b
The show’s six-episode first season is slated to debut on AMC and AMC Plus in summer 2022. bit.ly/3oVwpL7
Channing Powell, who has worked as a writer and producer on both #TWD and “Fear the Walking Dead,” serves as showrunner. Powell will work alongside Scott M. Gimple, the chief content officer of “The Walking Dead” universe. bit.ly/3oVwpL7