Why is 'Cancel Netflix' trending? Co-founder Reed Hastings' generous political donation sparks outrage
![Why is 'Cancel Netflix' trending? Co-founder Reed Hastings' generous political donation sparks outrage](https://dxltb3n5j8l6j.cloudfront.net/707422/uploads/57a50180-4b3b-11ef-994f-ad032279b489_1200_630.jpeg)
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)](https://pisco-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/134c5be2-08dc-400f-8081-a2d5eee05d51.png)
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)](http://d2r3ijz46v2k0u.cloudfront.net/7e6fe581-5627-4ccb-bbea-825a9292697f.jpg)
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."
And that's why "canceled" is trending....millions of Americans cancelling their accounts which is what I will be doing as well.
— MVLI (@MVLI11) July 25, 2024
Another user added, "Cancelled. Thanks for making it an easy decision. #CancelNetflix".
Cancelled. Thanks for making it an easy decision. 👍 #CancelNetflix pic.twitter.com/SxQwwUhX20
— John Thomas (@JOHNSS76) July 25, 2024
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."
Time to cancel my subscription. She is a vacant, Marxist husk.
— Elizabeth Bridget (@SouthernWag904) July 25, 2024
"Disgusting. He should be ashamed to support that vile woman," one stated talking about Harris.
Disgusting. He should be ashamed to support that vile woman.
— Dominick Cobb 🎬 (@LatterDayDom) July 26, 2024
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.