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

Reed Hastings has donated $7 million to a super PAC endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign
PUBLISHED JUL 26, 2024
Reed Hastings' political donation triggers outrage (Photo by Ernesto S Ruscio/Getty Images for Netflix)
Reed Hastings' political donation triggers outrage (Photo by Ernesto S Ruscio/Getty Images for Netflix)

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.

(Getty Images)
Kamala Harris (Getty Images)

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.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Netflix founder and Co-CEO Reed Hastings speaks during the New York Times DealBook Summit in the Appel Room at the Jazz At Lincoln Center on November 30, 2022 in New York City. The New York Times held its first in-person DealBook Summit since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with speakers from the worlds of financial services, technology, consumer goods, private investment, venture capital, banking, media, public relations, policy, government, and academia. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
NNetflix founder and Co-CEO Reed Hastings (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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."



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

MORE STORIES

On Tuesday, Senate Democrats blocked the GOP's eighth attempt to reopen the government
1 day ago
California already allows trans athletes to compete in school sports based on their gender identity
1 day ago
Pete Hegseth says 'Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right' as top outlets reject new media restrictions and risk losing credentials
2 days ago
Donald Trump said a very wealthy donor offered to personally cover troop pay if government shutdown funds fall short
2 days ago
The six people are from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay, and South Africa
2 days ago
President Donald Trump blamed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for the shutdown and confirmed ending several Democrat-backed federal programs
4 days ago
Donald Trump criticized Chuck Schumer over the shutdown and said he directed Pete Hegseth to use funds to ensure troops are paid on October 15
5 days ago
Several progressives who have long called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have not yet commented on the agreement’s terms or timeline
7 days ago
Trump posted a scathing montage, accusing Democrats of shutting down the government to please their 'radical left' base
Oct 9, 2025
John Kennedy is calling out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over the tough spot he’s in amid government shutdown
Oct 9, 2025