Comedian Dave Chappelle addressed the controversy over his Netflix Inc. special during a stand-up routine Sunday, adding that he would self-distribute his new documentary film in 10 cities. 

Mr. Chappelle told the audience he would meet with the transgender community at Netflix. A five-minute clip of his remarks during a comedy show in Nashville was posted to his Instagram page on Monday. 

“I...

Comedian Dave Chappelle addressed the controversy over his Netflix Inc. special during a stand-up routine Sunday, adding that he would self-distribute his new documentary film in 10 cities. 

Mr. Chappelle told the audience he would meet with the transgender community at Netflix. A five-minute clip of his remarks during a comedy show in Nashville was posted to his Instagram page on Monday. 

“I said what I said, and boy, I heard what you said. My God, how could I not?” Mr. Chappelle said. “I want everyone in this audience to know that even though the media frames it that it’s me versus that community, it is not what it is.” 

Mr. Chappelle said he has received some support since the special aired. “For the record, and I need you to know this, everyone I know from that community has been nothing but loving and supporting. So I don’t know what all this nonsense is about,” he said.

The stand-up special, “The Closer,” sparked criticism for remarks considered offensive to the transgender community. Last Wednesday, a group of protesters that included employees gathered outside of Netflix’s Los Angeles office to express their anger over the show and the streaming giant’s response to criticism.  

Netflix Co-Chief Executive Ted Sarandos, who continued to support the special’s airing, said he “screwed up” in his communications with staff over the controversy, and his remarks about content on screen not translating to real-world harm was an oversimplification and lacking in humanity. He said he stood by the decision to keep “The Closer” on Netflix, citing a commitment to creative freedom. 

Mr. Chappelle said the controversy around the special led film festivals and studios to withdraw support of an untitled documentary centered on outdoor shows he performed in the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. He said the documentary will be available to view at screenings in 10 cities next month, including New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Cleveland.

“You will be able to see this movie in its entirety, and you can see what they’re trying to obstruct you from seeing,” Mr. Chappelle said.

The comedian also addressed the recent protests and some Netflix employees’ demand for changes from management.  

“You said you want a safe working environment at Netflix,” he said. “Well, it seems like I’m the only one that can’t go to the office anymore.”

In “The Closer,” Mr. Chappelle compares the progress made by the LGBTQ community to the progress made by the Black community in America. His recounts experiences with members of the transgender and gay community. Many in the transgender community, including some Netflix staffers, found the jokes offensive. Mr. Chappelle said he identified as a “TERF,” an acronym that stands for “trans-exclusionary radical feminist,” and compared the transgender community to people who wear blackface.

Write to Talal Ansari at talal.ansari@wsj.com and Jennifer Calfas at jennifer.calfas@wsj.com