Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), is urging his 226 million followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions. Musk’s call comes after backlash against the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park, which features a transgender teenage character.
The show, created by Hamish Steele, ran for two seasons before being canceled in 2023. Despite this, conservative groups have reignited criticism, accusing Netflix of pushing a “transgender agenda” on children.
Musk’s Reaction and Online Campaign
On X, Musk reposted content from the far-right account Libs of TikTok, which criticized a clip from the show where the main character, Barney, comes out as trans. Musk added:
“Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.”
He also shared memes portraying Netflix as harmful to children. His posts quickly gained traction, with many users sharing screenshots of canceled subscriptions.
Hamish Steele Responds
Steele, the show’s creator, reacted to Musk’s post on Bluesky, saying it was going to be a “very odd day.” Supporters of the show highlighted its positive messages about identity, friendship, and acceptance.
Netflix’s Silence and Market Impact
Netflix has not issued a statement regarding Musk’s comments. The company’s stock dropped around 2–4% during the week, though analysts suggest the backlash is unlikely to cause lasting financial damage.
Industry experts believe subscriber losses may be balanced by gains in ad revenue and continued global growth.
“Dead End: Paranormal Park” Trailer On Youtube
A Pattern of Musk’s Boycotts
This is not the first time Musk has urged boycotts of major companies:
- He previously told users to delete Facebook.
- He threatened to ban iPhones at Tesla over Apple’s AI deal.
- He called to “defund NPR” after the media outlet stopped posting on X.
Broader Anti-LGBTQ+ Pressure
The controversy echoes past conservative campaigns, such as the Bud Light boycott in 2023 and Disney’s removal of LGBTQ+ content from some platforms. Critics warn that these efforts aim to reduce queer and trans visibility in media.
Advocates argue that shows like Dead End: Paranormal Park provide important representation for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Conclusion
Musk’s attack on Netflix highlights his growing role in America’s culture wars. While his call for a boycott may grab headlines, experts say Netflix’s business is unlikely to suffer long-term. The bigger question remains: will streaming platforms continue to feature LGBTQ+ representation, or give in to political pressure?
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