Why Elon Musk Is Urging People to Cancel Netflix

October 4, 2025

Tesla chief Elon Musk has launched a fresh campaign against Netflix, accusing the streaming giant of pushing a “woke agenda” and amplifying outrage over comments made by an animation creator about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.

Over the past week, Elon Musk has repeatedly used his platform X to urge millions of users to cancel their Netflix subscriptions. His posts, some bluntly saying “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids”, quickly gained traction online.

The campaign began after Musk amplified a user’s claim that they cancelled their subscription because Netflix “employed someone who celebrated the murder of Charlie Kirk and makes content that pushes pro-trans content on my kids.” Musk responded with a simple, “Same,” before resharing a series of critical posts targeting Netflix’s diversity and LGBTQ content.

The Charlie Kirk Controversy

The spark came from Hamish Steele, creator of Netflix’s animated show Dead End: Paranormal Park. Screenshots circulating online showed Steele allegedly dismissing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s tribute to Kirk, calling him “a random nazi” after the conservative activist was shot dead at a public event on September 10, 2025.

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a major figure in right-wing US politics. His killing drew tributes from political leaders including Donald Trump and Musk himself, who attended his funeral.

While Steele denied celebrating Kirk’s death—insisting his remarks were taken out of context—the backlash grew, especially among conservative circles. Musk joined in, calling Steele a “groomer” and linking him to Netflix’s wider cultural agenda.

Spotlight on Dead End: Paranormal Park

Though Netflix cancelled Dead End in 2023 after two seasons, the show is now being scrutinised by Musk’s supporters. The series featured a transgender protagonist and was praised for its LGBTQ representation, even earning a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Clips from the show, including one where the main character Barney openly discusses being transgender, were circulated by critics who accused Netflix of pushing inappropriate content for children.

Other Netflix shows—including Cocomelon, which depicted a boy with two fathers, and Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, featuring a same-sex kiss—were also highlighted as examples of what opponents called “LGBTQ propaganda.” Musk reshared several of these clips, writing: “This is not ok.”

Netflix’s Diversity Efforts Under Fire

Musk’s criticism went beyond specific shows. He pointed to Netflix’s diversity and inclusion reports, which celebrate increased representation of non-white actors and directors. Critics framed these efforts as “discrimination against white people,” a claim Musk echoed by reposting one such comment and replying: “Cancel Netflix.”

Netflix has long defended its diversity initiatives, arguing that reflecting global audiences is essential to its mission. But Musk and his followers see these efforts as part of what he calls the “woke mind virus”—a concept he has attacked across education, media, and tech.

Musk’s Broader Anti-‘Woke’ Crusade

Musk’s clash with Netflix fits into a larger ideological battle he has waged against progressive cultural trends. He has criticised Wikipedia, the Anti-Defamation League, and even schools, claiming they spread harmful ideology around gender identity.

The issue also ties to his personal life. His daughter Vivian came out as transgender in 2020, legally changed her name in 2022, and severed ties with him, accusing him of lying about his children. Musk has blamed her estrangement on the “woke education system.”

Musk’s boycott calls coincided with a 2.2% dip in Netflix’s stock, which fell to $1,173.12 midweek. While it is unclear if Musk’s campaign directly triggered the decline, the controversy has added pressure on the platform as it navigates the culture wars.