News Summary
The animated series “Dead End: Paranormal Park” has erupted into controversy following a viral clip featuring a transgender character. Elon Musk voiced his disapproval and called for a Netflix boycott, which garnered support from conservative groups. The show, aimed at a young audience and praised for its LGBTQ representation, was canceled by Netflix shortly after the backlash. Hamish Steele, the show’s creator, defended the series against claims of promoting inappropriate content, expressing concerns over safety amid escalating negativity on social media.
Elon Musk and Conservatives Call for Netflix Boycott Over “Dead End: Paranormal Park” Featuring Trans Character
The animated series “Dead End: Paranormal Park”, created by Hamish Steele, has recently stirred up quite the conversation on social media. The series consists of 20 episodes across two seasons, which made their debut in 2022 on Netflix. However, despite its unique charm and positive reviews, Netflix decided to pull the plug on the show in 2023 after the second season.
It all started with a clip from the show that went viral on X (formerly known as Twitter). This snippet features a character named Barney Guttman, a transgender teen, who comes out in a heartfelt moment. Notably, the series is rated TV-Y7, meaning it is aimed at a young audience. Unfortunately, the clip caught the attention of organizations like Gays Against Groomers and Libs of TikTok, who voiced concerns about what they perceive as inappropriate content for children.
In the midst of this uproar, none other than Elon Musk entered the conversation. He tweeted his disapproval, stating that “This is not okay” and urged his followers to “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.” Musk’s tweet didn’t go unnoticed, and many right-wing influencers joined in, some even suggesting a boycott of Netflix.
Meanwhile, Hamish Steele responded to the entire ordeal on BlueSky. He asserted that the backlash was based on “lies and slander,” emphasizing that Netflix is not promoting any content as being pro-trans at the moment. However, the reaction on social media turned quite hostile. Steele even expressed fear of receiving homophobic and antisemitic emails, indicating that he might take a step back from social media due to the negativity.
This situation escalated after a post by Libs of TikTok alleging that Netflix was promoting a “pro-trans content” agenda aimed at children. Musk further fueled the flames by resharing a post claiming that someone canceled their Netflix subscription due to Steele’s remarks regarding the controversial issues surrounding British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed in September 2023. The alleged shooter has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Musk’s words had a financial impact as well; reports indicated that Netflix shares declined nearly 2% following his posts criticizing the show.
Despite the controversy, “Dead End: Paranormal Park” had its fair share of admiration for its LGBTQ representation and storytelling. Even with its cancellation, Steele expressed gratitude to Netflix for commissioning the project in the first place. However, Musk remains critical, expressing views that Steele’s work promotes a “transgender woke agenda.”
Key Takeaways
- “Dead End: Paranormal Park” features a transgender character and is targeted at children with a TV-Y7 rating.
- Elon Musk and other conservatives are calling for a boycott of Netflix over the show’s content.
- The backlash has led to decreases in Netflix stock prices, following rising tensions on social media.
- Steele’s responses reveal concerns over personal safety amid the backlash.
FAQ Section
What is “Dead End: Paranormal Park”?
“Dead End: Paranormal Park” is an animated series created by Hamish Steele, consisting of 20 episodes across two seasons, released in 2022.
Why was there a backlash against the show?
A viral clip showed a character named Barney Guttman, a transgender teen, coming out, which led to criticisms from organizations claiming the content is inappropriate for children.
Did Elon Musk get involved in the controversy?
Yes, Elon Musk tweeted his disapproval of the show and called for people to cancel their Netflix subscriptions for the sake of children.
What was the response from Hamish Steele?
Hamish Steele responded by stating the backlash was based on “lies and slander” and voiced concerns about personal safety due to hostile reactions.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Show Title | Dead End: Paranormal Park |
| Creator | Hamish Steele |
| Seasons | 2 |
| Episodes | 20 |
| Initial Release Date | 2022 |
| Cancelation Date | 2023 |
| Character in Controversy | Barney Guttman (Trans Teen) |
| Target Audience | Children (Rated TV-Y7) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Variety: Elon Musk Cancels Netflix Over “Dead End: Paranormal Park”
- AZ Central: Netflix Cancellations and Hamish Steele
- Forbes: Musk Doubles Down on Cancel Netflix
- Hindustan Times: Elon Musk Cancels Netflix Subscription
- Wikipedia: Dead End: Paranormal Park
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
