Despite the heavy backlash following his most recent Netflix special, Matt Rife has reportedly earned over 200,000 followers on Instagram.
Scandal…
The Ohio-born comedian, who fans would agree has a very edgy humor and controversial punchlines, found himself in the eye of a storm after his comedy special, Natural Selection, was deemed “offensive and unfunny” by various critics.
Netflix is no stranger to controversy…
Netflix is no stranger to getting backlash for its comedy specials.
Past outrage…
The Closer, which premiered on Netflix in October 2021, sparked considerable controversy due to Dave Chappelle’s jokes on gender and sexuality.
The LGBTQ+ community were offended…
Some viewers, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, felt the comedy special included harmful stereotypes and transphobic remarks.
Backlash…
The pushback was swift and potent, leading to a public debate about the boundaries of comedy, freedom of speech, and the responsibilities of streaming platforms.
The Netflix walkout
The controversy reached new heights when Netflix employees planned and executed a walkout in protest of the company’s decision to keep The Closer on its platform.
Protest…
This protest was not just about Chappelle’s special but also about wider issues such as representation and respect for the LGBTQ+ community within the company. It was a move that attracted worldwide attention.
Netflix’s response
In response to the backlash, Netflix’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, initially defended the decision to air the special, citing creative freedom.
Not backing down.
However, he later admitted that he “screwed up” in his handling of the staff concerns. Yet, Netflix stood by its decision to keep The Closer on its platform.
Chappelle’s reaction
Chappelle, on his part, released a statement saying he was willing to meet with the Netflix employees who walked out.
Standing up for himself…
However, he also asserted that he would not be silenced or bullied and stood by his material. He argued his intent was not to offend but to challenge societal norms and provoke thought.
The wider implications
This incident raises fundamental questions about the nature and limits of comedy. How far should comedians be allowed to go in the name of humor?
Problems with streaming platforms…
What is the role of streaming platforms in moderating content? And how does this impact marginalized communities?
Was he wrong?
The answers are complex and are likely to shape the future of the entertainment industry.
Repeated pattern…
Rife’s Netflix special, which was released earlier this month, was met with severe criticism from viewers.
Inappropriate?
Many dubbed his jokes as insensitive and inappropriate, sparking a wave of backlash across various social media platforms, including X.
Unhappy viewers…
People argued that the comedian’s attempt to push the envelope did more harm than good, leading to a rather flat and unamusing performance.
Protest to boycott…
Some even went as far as calling for a boycott of Rife’s future projects.
Followers…
However, in a surprising turn of events, instead of seeing a decline in his popularity, Matt Rife’s follower count on social media platforms has seen a significant surge.
Gaining popularity…
According to reports, Rife has gained over 200,000 new followers despite the negative reviews and backlash to his Netflix special. The jump in Rife’s follower count could be attributed to several factors.
Any type press is considered good press…
Some might argue that the controversy surrounding his Netflix special inadvertently sparked people’s curiosity, prompting them to follow him to see what all the fuss was about.
Benefits…
Others believe that a section of Netflix viewers appreciated Rife’s attempt at pushing boundaries with his humor, thereby choosing to follow him. This sort of controversy is not entirely unheard of.
Shock value…
Oftentimes, scandals about comedy specials end up giving celebrities more visibility and recognition than their actual work.
It worked…
This “any publicity is good publicity” mindset seems to be at play here.
Will his popularity increase?
It remains to be seen how this sudden increase in followers will impact Rife’s career given the backlash he’s been getting on social media these past few weeks.
Netflix has not removed the special from its platform…
Will it lead to more opportunities or will it further alienate him from mainstream audiences?
Fighting through the backlash…
What is clear though is that Rife has managed to stir conversation and debate around comedy and its boundaries – an issue that also arose following the release of Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special in late 2021.
Relevance…
That said, with over 200,000 new followers under his belt, Rife has proven that controversy can sometimes serve as a catalyst for popularity.
What’s next?
Whether this helps or hinders his career in the long run is yet to be determined.