Netflix saw an unprecedented spike in cancellations following a public endorsement and $7 million donation by its co-founder, Reed Hastings, to Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 presidential campaign. This political endorsement led to a backlash, particularly from conservative subscribers, who quickly organized a boycott of the streaming platform, significantly impacting its subscriber base.
The controversy began when Hastings publicly endorsed Harris on July 23, 2024. By July 26, Netflix experienced its worst day of cancellations in the year, with subscription churn nearly tripling. According to reports, 2.8% of Netflix subscribers canceled their accounts in July 2024, a dramatic increase from the norm.
Netflix is seeing a dramatic spike in cancelations after its co-founder Reed Hastings revealed he donated $7 million to Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign.#CancelNetflix pic.twitter.com/pZ0KISWGUP
— debe goree (@JHPRanchBoss) September 30, 2024
This mass exodus from the platform reflects a growing frustration among conservative consumers with corporations engaging in political activism, especially when it aligns with progressive or left-wing candidates. Many subscribers took to social media, using the hashtag #CancelNetflix to share screenshots of their cancellations, voicing their dissatisfaction with what they perceived as Netflix's increasing politicization.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for businesses navigating the highly polarized political landscape in the U.S. While companies like Netflix may have previously seen little pushback for aligning with progressive causes, the political climate has shifted. Similar boycotts have impacted other major brands like Bud Light and Disney, with consumers increasingly willing to withdraw financial support from businesses perceived as taking partisan stances.
Netflix Co-Founder Reed Hastings donated $7 million to Kamala Harris.
There are plenty of other streaming options available.
You know what to do Patriots. Hope Hastings enjoys his backing of VP Harris.
Make him feel it. pic.twitter.com/m8OXMpRDJM
— 👉M-Û-R-Č-H👈 (@TheEXECUTlONER_) July 25, 2024
Netflix’s decision to discontinue its lowest-cost, ad-free subscription plan around the same time likely exacerbated the backlash. Many subscribers were already frustrated by rising costs and limited viewing options, and the endorsement of Harris provided a tipping point. While Netflix had previously bounced back from temporary cancellations tied to pricing issues, this political controversy seems to have cut deeper into its base.
For Reed Hastings, the backlash highlights the risks involved in corporate leaders making high-profile political endorsements. Hastings has long been a vocal supporter of progressive causes, having previously donated to education and diversity initiatives. However, his latest endorsement struck a nerve with many Netflix users who, citing a desire to keep politics out of their entertainment, opted to cancel their subscriptions in protest.
This wave of cancellations is part of a larger trend, where consumers increasingly use their purchasing power to respond to perceived corporate overreach into political matters. The fallout from Hastings' donation echoes recent controversies surrounding brands like Bud Light, which faced a similar boycott after aligning with a controversial social media influencer, resulting in plummeting sales.
As Netflix attempts to recover from this wave of cancellations, the long-term impact remains uncertain. The platform continues to dominate the streaming industry, but the surge in consumer activism suggests that brands can no longer afford to ignore the political leanings of their customer base. Hastings’ endorsement of Harris may have energized her campaign, but it has clearly cost Netflix a portion of its loyal subscribers.
