The billionaire joined conservatives in criticizing the streaming giant for platforming Hamish Steele, creator of Dead End: Paranormal Park.
Elon Musk has announced he cancelled his Netflix subscription after the platform came under fire for hiring British animator Hamish Steele, who has been accused of mocking the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
The controversy erupted after former Department of Energy nuclear scientist Matt Van Swol posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had cancelled his Netflix account, claiming the service was promoting “pro-trans content” and employing a director who “celebrated the murder” of Kirk.
“Just cancelled my Netflix subscription. 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. It’s as simple as that,” Swol wrote.
Musk responded directly: “same.”
What Did Hamish Steele Say?
Hamish Steele, creator of Netflix’s Dead End: Paranormal Park, allegedly posted remarks on Bluesky after news broke of Charlie Kirk’s assassination in Utah. Viral screenshots show Steele referring to Kirk as a “nazi” and criticizing public mourning for him.
“Your sympathy for any of the families being slaughtered by your own weapons but a random Nazi gets shot and it’s a public statement,” Steele allegedly wrote in a reply to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Musk condemned the comments, writing on X: “This is not ok.” In another post, he referred to Steele as a “groomer.”
Netflix has not issued an official response as of publication.
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University.
- The event: Kirk was hosting a stop on his “American Comeback Tour” before an audience of roughly 3,000 when he was shot in the neck.
- The aftermath: A 30-hour manhunt ended with the arrest of Tyler Robinson, 24, more than 250 miles from the scene.
- Kirk’s role: At 31, Kirk had become a top conservative voice, known for his podcast, his close ties to former President Donald Trump, and his hardline stance on cultural issues.
His killing has fueled political polarization, with conservatives decrying what they call a dismissive or celebratory tone from some progressive commentators online.
Why Musk’s Reaction Matters
Elon Musk’s decision to publicly boycott Netflix adds weight to the backlash:
- Cultural Influence: Musk has over 190 million followers on X, and his endorsement of a boycott can amplify conservative pressure on Netflix.
- Tech vs. Media Clash: The billionaire has positioned himself as a critic of what he calls “woke culture,” and his comments align with broader right-wing frustrations with Hollywood and streaming platforms.
- Escalating Political Divide: By calling Steele a “groomer,” Musk added fuel to a debate that already mixes LGBTQ+ representation in media with America’s fraught political tensions.
The Bigger Picture: Streaming Platforms and Cultural Politics
This controversy highlights a recurring flashpoint for Netflix and other platforms:
- Content Wars: Netflix has faced boycotts from both sides of the political spectrum, from criticism over Dave Chappelle’s specials to pressure over LGBTQ+ representation in youth programming.
- Employment Choices: Hiring or platforming creators with controversial social media histories can quickly spiral into a public relations crisis.
- Political Climate: In the wake of Kirk’s assassination, commentary that appears dismissive or celebratory risks backlash at a scale few companies can afford to ignore.
TL;DR
- Elon Musk says he cancelled his Netflix subscription over its association with director Hamish Steele.
- Steele allegedly mocked the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in a Bluesky post.
- Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 during a live event.
- Musk condemned Steele as a “groomer” and said, “This is not ok.”
- The case underscores tensions between streaming platforms, cultural politics, and online speech.