Netflix India has announced that it will be releasing a special called Things They Wouldn't Let Me Say by stand-up comedian Aditi Mittal on July 18.
The move comes after Amazon India received flak for signing up 14 comedians, all of them male, for their stand-up specials. The obvious gender disparity set off discussions on social media about sexism in comedy.
With Netflix throwing its weight behind Aditi, out came the haters and sceptics. From calling Aditi names to wondering if Netflix had signed her up only because she was a woman, Twitterati had a lot of questions.
But Netflix answered them in style.
That's alright, we did! :)
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) June 12, 2017
Hum sach mein kaafi feminist liberal hai. We love all good comedy! Stay tuned for July 18th.
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) June 12, 2017
.@awryaditi is phenomenally talented. The only token gesture is if we manage to get a signed autograph from Dr. Mrs. Lutchuke.
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) June 12, 2017
Netflix won over some new fans for standing up for Aditi.
You just earned another customer. So much respect for standing up to bullies! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1pWCWtIoyr
— Shefali goel (@shefaligoel19) June 12, 2017
After news broke out about Amazon India's boys-only deal, film critic Anupama Chopra hosted a panel in which she invited comedians from the industry, including Aditi Mittal, to discuss the issue. The panel, however, turned into a stellar example of how sexism actually works, with the male comedians either acting dismissive of the issue or speaking over Aditi.