Elon Musk urges Netflix boycott
-REUTERS
Elon Musk has reignited a push to cancel Netflix subscriptions following renewed scrutiny over the platform’s LGBTQ-inclusive content and a resurfaced social media post by Hamish Steele, creator of the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park.
The backlash intensified after conservative account Libs of TikTok shared clips from the show and alleged Steele made a controversial comment about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was reportedly assassinated.
In a series of posts on X, Musk echoed calls to cancel Netflix, criticizing the streaming giant for featuring transgender representation in children’s programming. “Cancel Netflix,” Musk wrote, sharing a post by Libs of TikTok that highlighted Netflix’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Musk also shared a user’s post announcing the cancellation of their Netflix subscription over Steele’s alleged comment and the show's LGBTQ content. The post read: “Same,” indicating Musk’s agreement. He later described Steele as a “groomer” and warned that Netflix was promoting a “woke agenda” to children, stating, “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.”
Dead End: Paranormal Park, which premiered on Netflix in 2022 and was canceled after two seasons in 2023, follows Barney, a transgender teenager, and his diverse group of friends at a haunted amusement park. The show, rated appropriate for viewers as young as seven, includes characters and ideas that are not suitable for the age group.
Critics have particularly taken issue with a clip in which Barney says, “I’m trans, Norma,” adding that he’s “never been happier” and encourages living “without apology.” Libs of TikTok claimed the show, available on Netflix Kids, was pushing “pro-transgender” ideology on young children.
The controversy escalated after Steele was accused of making an inflammatory remark regarding Kirk’s death. According to screenshots circulated online, Steele allegedly wrote, “a random nazi gets shot and it’s a public statement.” Steele has since denied celebrating Kirk’s death and addressed the backlash on Bluesky, calling the claims “lies and slander,” and expressing concern over receiving homophobic and antisemitic messages.
-X.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Netflix shares had fallen by 2.2%, though it remains unclear whether the campaign is having any material impact on the company’s bottom line.