Elon Musk criticised for backing Netflix boycott over trans character in cartoon 'Dead End: Paranormal Park'

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has drawn backlash after publicly supporting a boycott of Netflix, targeting the platform for its past inclusion of a trans character in the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park.

The show, created by British animator Hamish Steele, was celebrated for its inclusive storytelling and LGBTQ+ representation, particularly through its lead character Barney Guttman - a trans teen navigating supernatural adventures and personal growth. Though the series was cancelled in 2023, it remains available on Netflix and continues to resonate with fans for its heartfelt portrayal of queer identity.

The controversy reignited after a clip from the show was shared by the far-right account Libs of TikTok, which claimed the series was “pushing pro-transgender on children”. Musk responded to the post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This is not ok,” and later urged parents to “cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.”

LGBTQ+ advocates and allies have condemned Musk’s remarks, calling them harmful and misinformed. Hamish Steele, who has long championed queer visibility in media, responded to the backlash by clarifying that the show is no longer promoted by Netflix and denouncing the wave of homophobic and antisemitic abuse he has received online.

“This is a targeted smear campaign,” Steele wrote on Bluesky, adding that he never celebrated the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, contrary to claims circulating online. “I never did. These are lies and slander.”

Supporters of the show have rallied around Steele, praising Dead End: Paranormal Park for giving young LGBTQ+ viewers a rare chance to see themselves represented in mainstream media.

“Representation saves lives,” one fan wrote on social media. “Barney helped me come out. Musk’s attack is not just on a cartoon - it’s on all of us.”