Hannah Gadsby strikes deal with Netflix to expand 'notoriously transphobic industry' after blasting streamer for Dave Chappelle Specials

Hannah Gadsby has reached a multi-title deal at Netflix, under which they will record their new stand - up special for the streamer, plus hosting and producing another multi-comedy special featuring comedians from diverse genres.

Gadsby's new one-hour special will premiere in 2023 and originates from the stage Australian from their most recent world tour, titled "Body of Work". Recorded at the Sydney Opera House with the help of the Sydney Opera House Trust, this will be Gadsby's third stand-up comedy for Netflix, following the "Nanette" specials - which became a phenomenon in 2018 - and "Douglas" from 2020.

The multi-comic special will be taped next year, with a premiere date yet to be announced . In addition to spotlighting performers of diverse gender identities, actors will also be cast from multiple countries.

"In an effort to further open a door I had to fight to pass myself , I will be curating and hosting a programming show on Netflix featuring six new comedians from diverse genres," Gadsby said. "In a notoriously transphobic industry, I seek to expand opportunities for genderqueer artists around the world, as well as to broaden the diversity of offerings to the public on one of the largest comedy platforms. Coupled with a mentoring initiative for these up-and-coming comedians, the program aims to promote the professional development of a population that is still struggling to be heard. Recorded once in the UK in 2023, it will be an opportunity for the world to hear these voices for the first time, but certainly not the last."

Gadsby's return to Netflix and their mention of the "notoriously transphobic" comedy industry is significant, given their candid response last year about the streamer's support of Dave Chappelle, whose "The Closer" special included offensive jokes about queer and trans people.

In a memo sent to staffers discussing the fallout, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said cited Gadsby's work as an example of the company's support for queer people and diverse perspectives, saying, "We work hard to ensure that marginalized communities are not defined by a single story. So we have "Sex Education", "Orange is the New Black", "Control Z", Hannah Gadsby and Dave Chappelle, all on Netflix. The key to this is to increase diversity within the content team itself. (Sarandos later apologized for his sentiments in the memo, specifically for stating that "screen content does not directly translate to actual harm.")

After the memo appeared in the press, Gadsby replied via Instagram, "Hey Ted Sarandos! Just just a quick note to let you know that i'd rather you didn't drag my name through your mess now i have to deal with even more hate and anger that dave chappelle fans like to unleash on me whenever dave receives $20 million to treat his emotionally stunted partial word vision."

"You haven't paid me enough to deal with the real consequences of dog hate speech whistling, you refuse to acknowledge, Ted," the post continued. "Fuck you and your amoral algorithm cult... I'm bullshitting with more spine than you. It's just a joke! I definitely didn't cross a line because there isn't one."

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