Chelsea Handler Is Leaving Her Netflix Show to Help “Elect More Women to Public Office”
It seems like more celebrities than ever are getting politically involved these days. While we wait to see if Oprah Winfrey might indeed consider a 2020 presidential bid, we’re turning our attention to Chelsea Handler, who announced she is leaving her Netflix talk show, Chelsea, to focus on political activism.
“Like so many across the country, the past presidential election and the countless events that have unfolded since have galvanized me,” the comedian said in a statement posted to Twitter. “From the national level down to the grassroots, it’s clear our decisions at the ballot box next year will mark a defining moment for our nation.”
Handler explained that, for these reasons, she has decided not to return for another season of her show and will instead become a more engaged citizen and work on projects of more significance to her. “My goal is to be better informed, raise my voice, and participate in a more meaningful way,” she wrote.
“I want to travel the country and visit areas and people I don’t know enough about, speak to colleges and listen to students, and gain a better understanding of our political divide,” she added, noting that she has joined forces with EMILY’S List, an organization that works to help elect pro-choice Democratic female candidates to office. Handler hopes to help “elect more women to public office, register people to vote, and campaign for candidates who are fighting for women’s rights.”
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) October 18, 2017
The move isn’t too much of a stretch for the comedian. Handler has never shied away from politics, and over the course of the second season of Chelsea, the show began to take on tougher issues. A recent episode with conservative internet personality Tomi Lahren blew up when Handler took Lahren to task over her views on health insurance.
Fans can rest easy, though: Handler confirmed that new episodes of Chelsea will continue to stream weekly until the end of 2017, and she announced a new project with Netflix too. “I’m excited to share that I will continue my partnership with Netflix, working together on a documentary where I’ll engage with people I don’t talk with enough,” she wrote. “Netflix could not be more understanding, and I’m grateful for their continued support.”
We can’t wait to see how Handler contributes to the future of women who run.
What do you think of Chelsea Handler’s move? Let us know @BritandCo!
(Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)