Elon Musk is once again stirring culture wars, but this time it’s against Netflix. Following his personal decision to discontinue the streaming service, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO advised his 226 million social media followers to “Cancel Netflix for the health of your children” on Wednesday morning. The announcement follows criticism of a Netflix animated series with a transgender adolescent lead.
Musk vs. Netflix: The Latest Culture Clash
Musk’s call to action follows a history of high-profile participation in online arguments. The Tesla CEO has previously asked followers to deactivate Facebook, defund NPR, and condemn Apple for OpenAI collaborations. His most recent challenge centers on the Netflix show Dead End: Paranormal Park, developed by Hamish Steele, which certain Twitter accounts, especially the prominent @LibsofTikTok, have accused of propagating trans ideology among kids.
While Netflix has not responded to Musk’s comments, the platform’s stock fell almost 2% amid a volatile market, and Google Trends saw an increase in searches for “cancel Netflix” on Wednesday. Some users on Musk’s X platform uploaded screenshots indicating that they had canceled or planned to cancel their subscriptions in return.
The Controversy Behind the Show
Dead End: Paranormal Park began on Netflix in 2022 and lasted two seasons before Steele announced that it would end in 2023. Some online posts have insulted Steele personally, yet assertions linking him to specific utterances could not be reliably verified because his X account is set to private.
Steele responded cautiously to Musk’s involvement, writing on BlueSky, “It’s probably going to be a very odd day,” after the Tesla CEO reshared posts critical of the series. Despite the controversy, the show had a short run and did not directly touch Musk’s family, however his public condemnation of trans issues has gotten attention because of his estranged trans daughter, model Vivian Jenna Wilson. Musk has publicly questioned her transition, calling it a symptom of a “woke mind virus,” while Vivian has openly disagreed with her father’s views.
Netflix’s Ongoing Struggle With Boycotts
Netflix is no stranger to controversies. In 2021, the platform received criticism over comedian Dave Chappelle’s specials, which included jokes regarding transgender individuals. At the time, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended artistic freedom, stating, “It’s impossible to please everyone, but we’re trying to please a world full of people with diverse tastes, sensibilities, and beliefs.”
The present outrage exemplifies the persistent conflict between artistic expression and public criticism, exacerbated by social media influencers and celebrity endorsements. Musk’s vast platform ensures that even minor controversies receive international notice rapidly.
The Power of a Tweet
Whether Musk’s Netflix boycott will significantly impact subscriptions remains uncertain, but his influence on social media is undeniable. For now, the Tesla CEO continues to weigh in on culture, media, and tech, reminding followers that his reach extends far beyond electric cars and rockets.
