Netflix is at the center of a growing controversy as calls for a boycott intensify following co-founder Reed Hastings’ significant donation to a political action committee (PAC) supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. The $7 million donation, Hastings’ largest single political contribution to date, has sparked a wave of criticism and threats to cancel subscriptions.
Reed Hastings, known for his substantial contributions to Democratic causes, made headlines with his recent donation to the Republican Accountability PAC, which backs Harris’s bid for the presidency. This move came shortly after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee.
Hastings’ decision to support Harris follows his earlier comments urging President Biden to step aside after what he described as a disappointing performance in the June 27 presidential debate. “After the depressing debate, we are in the game again,” Hastings told The Information, indicating a renewed sense of optimism for the Democratic campaign with Harris at the forefront.
The substantial donation has not been without repercussions. Many Netflix subscribers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction and announced plans to cancel their subscriptions in protest. The hashtag #CancelNetflix gained traction as users voiced their frustration.
One user tweeted, “We already canceled Netflix a long time ago, but if you have not done so already, it’s now time to #CancelNetflix.” This sentiment was echoed by many others who were dismayed by Hastings’ political involvement and his financial backing of Harris.
On Tuesday, Hastings took to social media platform X to publicly congratulate Harris, stating, “Congrats to Kamala Harris — now it is time to win.” This endorsement further fueled the backlash from viewers and critics who are opposed to Harris’s candidacy and Hastings’ role in supporting her campaign.
As the boycott calls grow louder, the potential impact on Netflix remains to be seen. The streaming giant, which has long been a dominant player in the entertainment industry, may face challenges if a significant number of subscribers follow through on their threats to cancel. The situation highlights the complex relationship between corporate actions and consumer reactions, especially in the politically charged climate of an election year.
