Netflix is known for paying stand-up comedians vast amounts of cash for the rights to their live shows. Dave Chappelle secured a rumored $60m deal with the streaming giant in 2017 while Amy Schumer was paid $13m for her latest hour. Chris Rock has two Netflix specials in the works, something he was paid a reported $40m for.
This boom is not extended to all comics though according to some in the industry. On Friday, January 19, Mo'Nique called for a Netflix boycott via Instagram after the company offered her the relatively low sum of $500,000 for her upcoming special. Essentially, Mo’Nique argued, is that if the company view her as a legend then why are they not paying her like one? Watch her video above.
On Sunday, January 21, fellow comic Wanda Sykes thanked her for her stance. "Thank you for speaking out," she tweeted. "@netflix offered me less than half of your $500k,” She eventually secured a deal with Epix for her 2016 show What Happened.. Ms. Sykes?.
.@moworldwide, thank you for speaking out. @netflix offered me less than half of your $500k. I was offended but found another home. #EPIX
— Official Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) January 21, 2018
Mo’Nique returned to Instagram on Sunday following Sykes's tweet. “How is that Wanda Sykes and Mo’Nique together, these two black women who have 50-plus years in the comedy game, be offered $750,000 between the both of us and Amy Schumer get $13 million?” she asked.
The FADER has contacted Netflix for comment.
Thumbnail images courtesy of Paras Griffin/Rich Polk/Getty.