The latest wave of the Netflix cancel movement has gained momentum after Elon Musk announced that he was ending his subscription on September 30, 2025. Musk criticized the streaming giant over its decision to keep airing the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park, created by Hamish Steele, whose past social media posts have stirred political controversy. The backlash, combined with Musk’s influence, pushed the debate into headlines and rattled investors, with NFLX stock reacting swiftly in early October.
Why Are People Cancelling Netflix?
The uproar began when Musk responded to posts circulating about Steele’s resurfaced comments targeting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. On X (formerly Twitter), Musk declared: Cancel Netflix. They’re endorsing this filth
. His statement drew immediate attention, with supporters echoing calls to end their subscriptions. The Independent confirmed Musk was specifically reacting to Steele’s past criticism of Kirk, calling it “condemning.” Business Insider added that Musk “urged his followers to join him in dropping Netflix” on the same day.
Forbes reported that Musk doubled down the following morning, reiterating his stance and directly naming Steele’s show as an example of what he described as Netflix pushing “woke nonsense.” Fox News amplified the controversy, noting that Musk “joined the Netflix exodus” alongside other voices who had already canceled over the show’s inclusion of a trans character. The company has not yet issued an official response, leaving subscribers debating whether creative representation justifies cancellation.
Elon Musk’s History with Netflix and Market Impact
Musk has sparred with Netflix before, but the timing of his latest statement carried financial weight. Barron’s reported on October 1, 2025, that NFLX stock “slipped in early trading” as Wall Street analysts weighed the impact of high-profile cancellations. While the stock decline was relatively modest, investors flagged Musk’s comments as a “sentiment risk,” given his large platform and influence over public discourse.
Business Insider detailed Musk’s specific complaint, quoting him directly: Why am I paying for Netflix when they actively promote creators who attack millions of Americans?
His phrasing emphasized the political dimension of the debate, making it clear this was not just about one animated series but about perceived bias in the company’s content strategy.
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Hamish Steele’s Role in the Controversy
Hamish Steele, known for creating Dead End: Paranormal Park, has become an unwilling center of this storm. The Independent traced the controversy to Steele’s past posts where he condemned Charlie Kirk. While Steele has not publicly responded in the past 48 hours, his prior social media activity is fueling the argument that Netflix is endorsing political messaging by keeping his show on the platform.
The Fox News report emphasized that critics are upset specifically about the inclusion of a trans character in Steele’s show, linking it to what they describe as an ideological agenda. For his part, Steele had previously spoken about wanting to normalize LGBTQ+ characters in children’s programming. That mission, however, has now drawn opposition from one of the world’s most prominent billionaires.
Reactions from Supporters and Critics
On X, users split into opposing camps. Musk supporters praised his move, with several echoing his call to “cancel Netflix.” Others countered that Musk was unfairly targeting Steele and undermining the importance of trans representation in mainstream content. The Independent noted that even political commentators outside the U.S. weighed in, using Musk’s cancellation as an example of cultural battles shaping international media markets.
Forbes framed Musk’s stance as part of a broader pattern, observing that “Musk has repeatedly used his social platform to spark boycotts” in industries ranging from entertainment to consumer goods. Netflix is simply the latest target in his broader crusade against what he views as corporate overreach into cultural issues.
Future Outlook: Can Netflix Withstand the Backlash?
Investors and viewers alike are now asking whether the cancelation movement poses a lasting threat. Barron’s analysts argued that while one celebrity subscriber does not impact revenue directly, Musk’s comments can magnify political discontent and lead to larger-scale subscription churn. The key question is whether Netflix will address the criticism publicly or continue to absorb the fallout quietly.
For now, the company remains silent. Steele’s work is still available to stream, and Musk’s posts remain live on X. As Forbes concluded, the controversy “shows no signs of fading,” especially with election-year politics intensifying in the United States. Whether this becomes a short-lived boycott or a turning point in Netflix’s content strategy remains to be seen.
Conclusion: Netflix Cancel Debate Will Continue
The Netflix cancel wave, sparked by Elon Musk and fueled by outrage at Hamish Steele’s past remarks and the inclusion of a trans character in his show, has quickly escalated into a cultural flashpoint. Investors are watching NFLX stock for signs of deeper damage, while subscribers argue over why are people cancelling Netflix? Musk’s high-profile stand ensures the debate will not fade quietly. Whether Netflix responds or doubles down on its creative direction could define the company’s standing in the cultural battles of 2025.
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