Elon Musk has thrown his weight behind a growing online campaign urging people to cancel their Netflix subscriptions, accusing the streaming giant of promoting what he calls “transgender propaganda.”
In a post to his 227 million followers on X, the platform he owns, Musk shared the phrase “Cancel Netflix,” amplifying a call first circulated by the conservative account Libs of TikTok. The campaign began after critics highlighted the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park and Netflix’s efforts to boost diversity both on-screen and behind the camera.
Musk later doubled down, writing: “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.”
The controversy intensified after the show’s creator, Hamish Steele, was accused of making offensive remarks online about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September. Although Steele denied the claims—saying in now-deleted posts that “It’s all lies and slander!”—conservative figures seized on the story to push the boycott.
Netflix’s shares dipped by around two percent on Wednesday as the campaign gathered steam, and fell again on Thursday on Wall Street.
Musk’s stance adds a personal dimension. His eldest child, Vivian Jenna Wilson, transitioned publicly in 2022, changing both her name and gender identity. Musk has previously described her estrangement from him as the result of what he called a “woke mind virus” spread by elite schools in California.
Critics of Musk argue that his repeated attacks on gender identity debates risk fuelling division. Supporters, meanwhile, say his intervention shines a light on what they view as the excessive influence of progressive politics in popular culture.
Netflix has not issued a detailed response to Musk’s remarks. The company has long defended its approach to programming, arguing that diversity improves storytelling and broadens representation for global audiences.
The clash comes at a time when streaming platforms face growing pressure—not only from cultural debates but also from a competitive market and slowing subscriber growth.
About the Author
