Dave Chappelle Requests Netflix Remove 'Chappelle's Show'

Netflix began offering “Chappelle’s Show” for streaming in early November; however, the Comedy Central sketch series was removed from the platform just over three weeks later.

Dave Chappelle, a co-creator of the show, explained the reasoning behind this removal in an Instagram video seemingly taken from a recent stand-up performance, characterizing any company broadcasting the show as dealing with “stolen property.”

He clarified that his issue isn’t with Comedy Central breaching their agreement with him. Rather, his criticism centers on the terms of the contract itself, which he acknowledged signing “in a similar manner to a 28-year-old, soon-to-be father who was financially strained signing a legal document.”

He continued:

Chappelle further stated he was “extremely upset” upon learning that Netflix was streaming the show:

In related news, Netflix previously entered into an agreement with Chappelle in 2016, reportedly worth $60 million, for the exclusive rights to three of his stand-up comedy specials.

“Chappelle’s Show” remains accessible on HBO Max (where he also expressed his opinions regarding HBO leadership) as well as on Comedy Central and CBS All Access – both of which, like Comedy Central, fall under the ownership of ViacomCBS.