Why is 'Cancel Netflix' trending? Co-founder Reed Hastings' generous political donation sparks outrage

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA: Reed Hastings, the executive chairman of Netflix, has contributed $7 million to a super PAC endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, marking his most substantial single campaign donation till date, Variety confirmed.

“After the depressing debate, we are in the game again,” Hastings informed tech-business publication The Information, which initially reported on his donation. A representative for Netflix chose not to comment.

Reed Hastings demanded President Joe Biden withdraw from 2024 presidential election

After Joe Biden's poor performance in the June 27 debate, Hastings was one of the high-profile personalities who demanded that the president withdraw from the 2024 race so that the Democrats could defeat Donald Trump.

The Netflix executive wrote on X on Monday, July 22, "Congrats to Kamala Harris — now it is time to win."

On Sunday, July 21, Biden announced the suspension of his 2024 reelection campaign and endorsed Harris as his successor. Since the announcement, Harris's campaign has amassed over $130 million.

Reed Hastings has a net worth of $4.58 billion

Reed Hastings co-founded Netflix in 1997 and served as CEO for 25 years before stepping down. Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters now serve as co-CEOs of the streaming giant, while Hastings holds the title of executive chairman.

Reed Hastings has a net worth of $4.58 billion, predominantly linked to his Netflix stock and options, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

In January, Hastings contributed 2 million Netflix shares, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, marking his largest charitable donation thus far.

The mission statement of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation is to "bridge critical gaps and divisions to deliver strategies that reduce systemic inequities" in the Bay Area.

'#CancelNetflix' trends on social media

Following the revelation of Reed Hastings' $7 million donation to Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, there was a notable reaction from social media users who began canceling their Netflix subscriptions.

A user wrote on X, "And that's why "canceled" is trending....millions of Americans cancelling their accounts which is what I will be doing as well."

Another user added, "Cancelled. Thanks for making it an easy decision. #CancelNetflix".

The third commentator wrote, "I canceled my Netflix today because of it".

A person remarked, "Time to cancel my subscription. She is a vacant, Marxist husk."

"Disgusting. He should be ashamed to support that vile woman," one stated talking about Harris.

Other chimed in, "Membership cancelled."

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