'Cancel Netflix' calls erupt over alleged Gavin Newsom donation, Colbert deal claims

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings donated $2 million to California Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting efforts, drawing MAGA ire towards the OTT platform.

Published on: Sep 1, 2025, 06:20:20 IST

By Shuvrajit Das Biswas

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Netflix, the popular streaming service, is facing calls of cancellation from the MAGA base on X. Several individuals on the social media platform have declared they will ‘cancel Netflix’ subscriptions.

Many online have slammed Netflix as 'woke' and said they would cancel their plans. Image for representation. (Pixabay)

The ire seems to stem due to two reasons. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings recently donated $2 million to California Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting efforts. Another reason is a claim that the streaming giant struck a deal with Stephen Colbert to the tune of $13 million. Notably, there is no official confirmation of this deal and reports of any such agreement appear to be fabricated.

Colbert, however, was in the eye of the storm earlier when it was announced he'd be leaving The Late Show. While the comedian decided to take the proverbial gloves off with his exit set in stone, President Donald Trump hit back calling him a ‘total loser’.

What people are saying about Netflix

Several people on X stated they would cancel their Netflix plans, either citing Reed's donation to Newsom, or the Colbert deal, or a combination of the two as being the reason.

“Time to cancel Netflix,” one person exclaimed in reply to a post that some MAGA supporters had called for a boycott of the platform over Reed's backing of Newsom's redistricting efforts.

Also Read | Colbert is latest casualty of late-night TV's fade-out

“Netflix signs $13 million deal with Stephen Colbert as Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings, donates $2 million to Gavin Newsom's redistricting efforts. Is Netflix the new Cracker Barrel?,” another profile questioned.

“Netflix is doing everything it can to make me cancel…,” commented another. Meanwhile, one person ranted “We’re sick of the woke bullsh*t.” Blaming both the donation and the supposed deal with Colbert, they continued “You didn’t learn the first time. We’re spreading the word. CANCEL NETFLIX.” Yet another stated, “Let it go people. Cancel your Netflix subscription and if you are like me, you won’t miss it at all. Let’s send a message to these woke idiots.”

Notably, in recent times, MAGA backlash – and a nudge from Trump – led to Cracker Barrel reverting to their old logo.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shuvrajit Das Biswas
Shuvrajit has over seven years of experience covering US, India, and world news. An English Literature postgraduate from Jadavpur University, Shuvrajit started off covering entertainment, gaming and all things pop culture. There were brief periods away from the media industry, with short stints in content marketing, ed-tech and academic editing. However, the newsroom beckoned and over the last few jobs, Shuvrajit has exceedingly focused on team functioning as well, including tracking news and assigning tasks, working on everyday breaking news, framing detailed coverage plans, and creating immersive and data-driven stories. In his time as a digital journalist, he has covered a Lok Sabha election, multiple state elections, Union Budgets and award ceremonies. He has also helped in planning content for company event panels in the past. For work, Shuvrajit enjoys dabbling with data visualization, editing tools, and AI chatbots and attempts to incorporate AI workflows in everyday tasks. He is deeply interested in geopolitics, sports, films and music. Prompting is a new fascination for Shuvrajit now. Apart from that, he can be found doom-scrolling, sharing memes, or cheering on his favorite football team.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.