Shares of Netflix Inc. dropped 3.2% in mid-day trading on Wednesday, triggered by a high-profile call from billionaire Elon Musk to cancel subscriptions.
The tech mogul, leveraging his 226 million followers on X, ignited the boycott amid backlash over a discontinued Netflix series and comments by its director regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The controversy centers on “Dead End: Paranormal Park,” an animated series canceled by Netflix in January 2023 after two seasons. The show, rated TV-Y7 and aimed at children as young as 7, features a transgender protagonist and LGBTQ representation, drawing ire from some quarters.
The situation escalated following remarks by director Hamish Steele on BlueSky in September 2025, where he allegedly celebrated Kirk’s death. Kirk, a prominent conservative figure, was killed on September 11, 2025, an event that has sparked widespread outrage, including criticism of educators and public figures for their reactions.
Musk, a vocal influencer, amplified the issue by retweeting posts flagging the show’s content. One retweet claimed “Dead End: Paranormal Park” was “pushing pro-transgender on children,” to which Musk responded, “This is not ok.” He further escalated the campaign with a direct appeal: “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids,” posted on X earlier today. Musk also confirmed canceling his own subscription, a move that has spurred a flood of cancellation posts from his followers since late September.
The boycott gained traction after Forbes reported that Steele’s comments, resurfaced by the account Libs of TikTok, fueled the backlash. With over 66,000 Palestinian deaths and significant Israeli casualties reported in the ongoing Gaza conflict—contextually linked to broader cultural debates—Musk’s stance has resonated with segments of his audience concerned about media influence on children.
As of 4:09 PM WAT, Netflix has not issued an official statement addressing the boycott or the controversy surrounding Steele’s remarks and the series. The streaming giant’s silence comes as its stock faces pressure, reflecting the impact of Musk’s social media clout.
This development marks a notable intersection of technology, entertainment, and political discourse, with potential ramifications for Netflix’s subscriber base and market standing.
