Comedy Means (You Never Have to Say You’re Sorry)
Since Dave Chappelle’s infamous series of comedy specials, Netflix has become a magnet for controversy. Specifically, celebrities who have experienced a fall from grace or public shaming use comedy specials, documentaries, and other features to tell their stories to the world.
Every time I watch one of these specials, I expect to see remorse, a change of heart, or even a new perspective gained from their indiscretions. However, most of these specials are a hodgepodge of coded language and manipulation tactics.
Over the years, I’ve observed that while celebrities in music and film often engage in public relations efforts focused on apologies and redemption tours, comedians tend to take a different approach. They usually double down on their mistakes, using the concept of free speech and their jester-like personalities to make light of any criticism they face.
I noticed this trend even more after watching Ellen DeGeneres’s Netflix comedy special last month and the recent release of Hasan Minhaj’s special. Therefore, I want to use this post to unpack the rise of PR comedy on Netflix and how many celebrities are using it to rewrite history and re-enter the public sphere.
