Elon Musk has once again ignited debate online by choosing to cancel his Netflix subscription. The billionaire entrepreneur made this decision following a controversy involving Hamish Steele, the director and creator of the animated Netflix series Dead End: Paranormal Park. The dispute began when Steele directed a heated social media post at conservative activist Charlie Kirk, using expletives and labeling him a ‘nazi.’ This post emerged shortly after Kirk’s death and quickly gained traction on social media platforms. Many users accused Steele of ridiculing the death of a right-wing figure while simultaneously employing offensive and divisive language. Supporters of Steele contend that his comments were taken out of context and that critics misrepresented his intentions.
However, the situation intensified as screenshots of Steele’s past social media posts resurfaced, raising further concerns and amplifying the backlash. The controversy escalated into a broader cultural flashpoint with criticisms from notable figures, including Matt Van Swol, a former nuclear scientist at the Department of Energy, who directly criticized Netflix. In a widely shared post, Van Swol stated, ‘If you employ someone who celebrated the murder of Charlie Kirk and makes content that pushes pro-trans content on my kids… you will NEVER get a dime of my money.’ This sentiment resonated with many on the political right, who were already wary of Netflix’s content and corporate ethos. Musk’s response further magnified the issue globally.
Reacting to Van Swol’s post, Musk shared his unfiltered opinion in a single word: ‘Same.’ His brief reply confirmed that Musk, who is often involved in online controversies, had also terminated his Netflix subscription. His reasoning seemed to align with Van Swol’s perspective: a refusal to financially support a platform that employs creators deemed to cross a line in their public discourse and ideological positions. Musk’s decision quickly drew widespread attention across news outlets and social media. Supporters praised his stance, commending him for highlighting what they view as the excesses of certain entertainment creators and the platforms that promote them.
Conversely, critics accused Musk of overreacting, suggesting that boycotting streaming services based on individual creators’ comments sets a concerning precedent. The fallout also brings attention to Netflix itself, which has been navigating a cultural and financial balancing act in recent years. While it promotes inclusivity and diverse storytelling, it faces increasing criticism from viewers who feel that specific shows or creators promote divisive narratives. The Steele controversy adds to Netflix’s difficulties in managing public relations within a polarized cultural landscape. For Musk, the choice appears to be clear. By aligning himself with Steele’s critics, he has reinforced his image as a figure unafraid to publicly oppose institutions or individuals he views as ideologically extreme.
Whether his action will trigger a larger wave of Netflix cancellations remains uncertain.