Kanishka Sharma

(Reuters) – The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest D.C. announced that it would postpone renaming the theater named after Dave Chappelle. This was to allow members of the school to discuss concerns regarding the comedy special on Netflix (NASDAQ)

The original date for the event was November 23, but it has now been moved up to April 22, according to an announcement by the school on Friday.

Many people saw Chappelle’s Netflix Netflix comedy special “The Closer” as an insult to transgender people. Supporters of the comedian https://www.reuters.com/world/us/comedian-dave-chappelle-addresses-netflix-transgender-controversy-full-first-2021-10-25 viewed it as a cry against cancel culture.

Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer had previously acknowledged the provocative language used by Chappelle in “The Closer”, but stated that it didn’t incite violence.

Carla Sims spoke on behalf of Chappelle to the Washington Post Friday. She said that Dave was an artist and activist who appreciates the school taking the time to help students develop critical thinking and creativity. “He supports school and every effort to participate in open conversations vs. cancellations.”

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts stated that Chappelle was its most distinguished alumni and an important think leader. It also added that the comedian had personally contributed or raised millions of money to help the school get funding.

According to the school, “The Closer” – which was the most-watched Netflix comedy special ever – has ignited national discussions about race, gender, and ‘cancelculture’.

The Ellington Community also stated, “We think moving forward with this event, originally scheduled November 23rd, 2021, without first acknowledging questions and concerns, would be missed opportunity for an instructable moment.”

Although the institution acknowledged that not all people will agree with or accept an artist’s viewpoint, it also stated it rejects the idea of a “cancelculture” as healthy or constructive.

Last month, protestors gathered near streaming giant’s headquarters to voice their disapproval at Chappelle’s latest Netflix Special.