Elon Musk has announced that he cancelled his Netflix subscription, urging his millions of followers on X (formerly Twitter) to do the same, in protest against what he called the platform’s “woke agenda” and inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in children’s programming.
The controversy centers on Dead End: Paranormal Park, an animated series that features a transgender lead character. Although Netflix cancelled the show in 2023, critics including Musk have recently spotlighted it, as an example of what they argue is inappropriate content for children. Musk amplified posts from conservative groups criticizing the series for “pro-trans messaging.”
In one post, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO declared he had cancelled Netflix and encouraged others to unsubscribe. “Get woke, go broke,” Musk wrote, a phrase he has often used to criticize what he sees as excessive political correctness in media and corporations.
The show’s creator, Hamish Steele, has also come under scrutiny after resurfaced social media remarks about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk drew backlash from right-wing groups. Musk referenced Steele’s past comments as further justification for cancelling Netflix.
Netflix has not issued an official response to the controversy. The company continues to host a wide range of children’s content, including shows with LGBTQ+ representation, in line with its diversity and inclusion policies.
The campaign has already gained traction on social media, with some users posting screenshots of their cancelled subscriptions. However, it remains unclear whether the movement will have a significant impact on Netflix’s global customer base. Shares in the company dipped on Thursday amid the publicity, though analysts cautioned that the long-term effects are uncertain.
The debate has reignited broader cultural battles over representation in entertainment, with critics accusing Netflix of promoting “ideology” to children, while supporters argue that LGBTQ+ characters provide necessary visibility and inclusivity.
For now, Musk’s remarks have drawn sharp lines between those rallying behind his call to boycott Netflix and those who see it as an attack on diversity in media.
