Netflix is facing online backlash following the $7 million donation its co-founder Reed Hastings made toward Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential election campaign, Variety reported.
Hastings co-founded Netflix in 1997 and served as CEO for 25 years before stepping down, according to Variety, and this is the largest single campaign contribution he’s ever made.
“After the depressing debate, we are in the game again,” Hastings told tech-business publication The Information, which first reported the news of his donation, Variety said.
News of the donation has spread widely via the social media platform X, as #cancelnetflix has been trending on the platform since Thursday.
Some users — largely former President Donald Trump supporters — are calling for Netflix users to boycott the streaming service.
Netflix just donated $7 million to the Kamala Harris campaign.
— Mila Joy (@MilaLovesJoe) July 26, 2024
WOKE Netflix needs to be mass-canceled. #CancelNetflix
The Founder of Netflix donated $7 million to Kamala Harris.
— Real Defender???????? (@real_defender) July 25, 2024
Cancel Netflix.
It’s that simple.#CancelNetflix
If you have Netflix it is time to cancel. The founder just donated $7 million to Kamala. #CancelNetflix
— ConservativeinPA (@MomGreyhounds) July 24, 2024
However, other X users have been tweeting about the irony of Trump supporters wanting to cancel Netflix.
anyone seriously using #cancelnetflix because they donated 7 mil to Kamala is just proving that its the right that is all about the cancel culture they supposedly hate
— RoseOfNyx (@necrosis7788) July 25, 2024
I thought Republicans hated cancel culture? So whats happening here? #CancelNetflix pic.twitter.com/N4ghxOqzL9
— A!sha | FEMINIST FOREVER & ALWAYS (@aishabellehd) July 26, 2024
So the people who want to get “rid” of cancel culture want to #CancelNetflix….. pic.twitter.com/BiC9IKhCZl
— Willie Beamen’s Burner Account (@WillieBBurner) July 25, 2024
LOL! They #CancelNetflix because someone who isn't Netflix, and isn't employed by Netflix, donated money to someone they don't like!
— Mataliandy 1) Masks work. 2) It's the guns. (@mataliandy) July 26, 2024
The anti-cancel culture right wingers are going to #CancelNetflix because the co-founder donated to the Harris campaign. The irony is lost on them. They don’t know what “irony” means.
— Jaime Ponce ???? (@TheRealJaimeP) July 25, 2024
To those who want to cancel Netflix: did YOU really fall from a coconut ???? tree? #CancelNetflix
— Luna????????✨ (@Lunathecatvo) July 25, 2024
It was recently uncovered that Trump himself donated a total of $6,000 to Harris’ campaign after she had begun her career in statewide politics as California’s attorney general, the New York Times reported.
If you want to cancel Netflix, then you need to also cancel Donald Trump. Since hes donated to Kamala as well. #KamalaHarris2024 #cancelnetflix
— Jules78 (@julesrn9483) July 25, 2024
If you want to cancel Netflix because they donated to Kamala Harris, perhaps you should cancel Donald Trump too for donating to her? ????#WeChooseKamala #KamalaHarris2024 #MakeAmericaLaughAgain pic.twitter.com/X5EX5iRMGm
— Piyush Mittal ???????????????????????????? (@piyushmittal) July 25, 2024
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings donated $7m to Kamala Harris campaign. Trump Cult stans are in shambles. But guess what? Few years back Trump endorsed Kamala as well. #CancelNetflix
— K.Monroe (@blacq1234) July 26, 2024
Though #CancelNetflix has been trending, X users on the other side of the boycott have been using the hashtag to comment on the situation or tweet their support of the streaming service — with some saying the news has encouraged them to begin a subscription.
People wanna #CancelNetflix because they donated 7 Mill to Kamala?
— Madame President’s Coconut Tree ???? (@Decodnlyfe1) July 25, 2024
NOT ME! In fact, renew mine for the next 8 years ???? pic.twitter.com/Hck1krHmT5
Checking why #CancelNetflix is trending.
— J Hunter???? (@MrJoKeR604) July 26, 2024
Oh, he donated 7 million to Kamala Harris and MAGA is having a temper tantrum? Great incentive to sign back up. Well played Netflix ????, I'm back after 2 years. pic.twitter.com/AaX2dL3Frz
NO, I’m gladly staying put #KeepingNetflix #CancelNetflix pic.twitter.com/mQUaYYKKsW
— MellyMel1908???? (@MellyMel1908) July 26, 2024
If people #CancelNetflix does that mean there will be less traffic and my movies won't pause?
— Hank F in Akron ???????? (@HankF330ToGo) July 26, 2024
To the #CancelNetflix ????????
— Unironic Malört Enjoyer (@OriginsOfRuin) July 25, 2024
This isn't an airport; no need to announce your departure.
