Elon Musk Cancel Netflix Call Sparks Backlash and Market Jitters

Elon Musk has urged his 227 million followers to cancel Netflix after accusing the streaming service of promoting “trans ideology.” The billionaire’s post triggered heated debate online and coincided with a 2.2% drop in Netflix stock on October 1, 2025. The controversy centers on the animated show Dead End: Paranormal Park, created by Hamish Steele, which features a transgender character.

The call to boycott Netflix began after Musk responded to resurfaced posts from Steele, who once criticized conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Musk shared a screenshot of a tweet where Steele allegedly mocked condolences offered by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after Kirk’s assassination. Musk wrote “This is not okay” and later told followers to “cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.”

Inside Musk’s Clash with Netflix and Hamish Steele

Trusted outlets such as Forbes and The Independent confirmed that Musk’s comments escalated after an online account accused Steele of pushing “pro-transgender” content toward children. Musk amplified the criticism by directly referencing Steele’s series and framing it as an example of Netflix promoting what he called “woke nonsense.”

Dead End: Paranormal Park, which aired between 2022 and 2023, follows teenagers working at a haunted theme park. The show’s lead character, Barney, is transgender. Steele has previously spoken about wanting to normalize LGBTQ+ representation in children’s programming. In response to Musk’s remarks, Steele posted on Bluesky, calling the backlash “lies and slander” and saying the harassment has included homophobic and antisemitic abuse.

Netflix has not yet released an official response to the calls for cancellation. Industry analysts told Barron’s that while one high-profile cancellation does not directly impact revenue, Musk’s public influence can create “sentiment risk” and fuel larger waves of subscription churn.

Wider Reaction and Possible Impact

Social media users split into two camps after Musk’s post. Supporters praised him for “standing against woke content,” while critics accused him of targeting LGBTQ+ creators and undermining inclusion in entertainment. News outlets like BBC and CNN noted that the uproar has become part of a broader cultural clash about corporate responsibility in representation.

Market experts are watching Netflix closely. While the stock decline was modest, Musk’s comments reached tens of millions and could influence cancel trends if they gain momentum. With U.S. election-year politics intensifying, some analysts believe streaming platforms may face more politically charged boycotts in the months ahead.

For now, Elon Musk’s cancel Netflix call remains a cultural flashpoint. Netflix’s silence adds uncertainty, and whether the platform will defend its programming choices or adjust its content strategy could shape the streaming landscape in 2025.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Elon Musk call to cancel Netflix?

He objected to Netflix airing the animated show Dead End: Paranormal Park, saying it pushes “trans ideology.”

Q2: Did Netflix respond to Elon Musk?

No. As of October 2, 2025, Netflix has not issued an official statement about the boycott.

Q3: How did this affect Netflix stock?

Netflix shares dropped about 2.2% in early October after Musk’s boycott call gained attention.

Q4: Who is Hamish Steele?

He is the creator of Dead End: Paranormal Park. His past social posts about politics sparked backlash from Musk supporters.

Q5: Is this the first time Musk criticized Netflix?

No. Musk has previously clashed with Netflix over its content, but this boycott is his most direct call so far.