Andy Cohen Slams Elon Musk’s “Cancel Netflix” Push, Says Boycott Is Rooted in Fear and Prejudice

New York, NY — Bravo host Andy Cohen is firing back at Elon Musk’s calls to “Cancel Netflix,” warning that the billionaire’s campaign against LGBTQ content represents a dangerous step backward in the fight for inclusivity and acceptance.

Speaking on his SiriusXM radio show Thursday morning, Cohen directly addressed Musk’s criticism of Netflix’s diversity initiatives and his amplification of attacks against British animator Hamish Steele. With his trademark blend of candor and conviction, Cohen argued that Musk’s campaign is not about protecting families, but about vilifying communities already under attack.

“Let’s be clear: this isn’t about kids, this isn’t about TV shows — it’s about turning LGBTQ people into scapegoats,” Cohen said. “Elon Musk has every right to his opinions, but using his megaphone to fuel prejudice? That’s reckless and it’s wrong.”

Cohen Pushes Back Against “Cancel Culture in Disguise”

Musk’s posts this week called on users of X, the platform he owns, to cancel Netflix subscriptions after screenshots circulated of the company’s diversity report. The report highlighted progress in boosting representation of non-white directors and lead actors — a move Musk suggested was proof of a “woke agenda.”

Musk also echoed right-wing accounts accusing Netflix of promoting “pro-trans content” and targeting Steele, whose animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park featured LGBTQ characters before being canceled in 2023. Steele has denied celebrating conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death after a supposed old social media post resurfaced, calling the claim “lies and slander.”

Cohen, who has long used his platform to spotlight LGBTQ issues, said Musk’s framing is dishonest.

“Calling representation a threat is cancel culture in disguise,” Cohen told listeners. “It’s canceling entire communities from being seen on screen. And I’m sorry, but that’s not family values — that’s fear.”

A Powerful Defense of Inclusion

Cohen’s remarks carried an emotional punch, rooted in his personal identity as one of television’s most visible openly gay hosts.

“I’ve spent my career telling stories and talking to people from every walk of life,” he said. “What I’ve learned is this: visibility saves lives. When a kid in Ohio or Alabama or Texas sees a queer character on screen and realizes they’re not alone, that can make all the difference. Why would anyone want to take that away?”

Cohen also drew attention to the real-world impact of Musk’s messaging. “Every time this kind of rhetoric gets blasted out, it leads to hate mail, it leads to harassment, it leads to violence. You cannot separate the online noise from the offline consequences. Words matter.”

Market and Cultural Ripple Effects

Netflix shares dipped 2.2% on Wednesday after Musk escalated his posts, though analysts cautioned the drop reflected broader tech-sector volatility. Still, Musk’s influence among investors and online communities means his words carry weight.

But Cohen suggested that Americans are smarter than to let one billionaire dictate their viewing habits.

“Watch or don’t watch — that’s your choice,” he said. “But don’t pretend you’re saving children by canceling a subscription. That’s not a crusade, it’s a stunt.”

Reactions Pour In

Cohen’s comments sparked immediate reactions across social media. LGBTQ advocates hailed his words as a crucial counterweight to Musk’s growing influence. “Andy Cohen just reminded America that representation isn’t propaganda — it’s survival,” tweeted one activist.

Meanwhile, conservative critics accused Cohen of “attacking free speech” and “politicizing entertainment.” But Cohen shrugged off the backlash on air, joking: “If defending equality makes me political, then hand me a campaign button.”

Netflix Still Silent

As of late Thursday, Netflix has not released a formal statement responding to Musk’s boycott campaign or Cohen’s rebuttal. The company has historically defended its diversity goals as part of its mission to reflect a global audience, pointing to hits like Squid Game and Money Heist as proof that inclusive storytelling resonates worldwide.

Yet with Musk amplifying attacks and voices like Cohen rising in response, pressure on the company is mounting.

“We’ve Been Here Before”

Cohen closed his segment with a reminder that the current debate echoes past struggles for representation in media.

“Every generation has people who want to silence voices they don’t understand,” he said. “First it was interracial couples, then it was gay characters, now it’s trans kids. But every time, love and truth outlast the noise. This is no different.”

He urged listeners not to be distracted by Musk’s provocations. “Don’t let billionaires tell you whose stories deserve to be told. If you believe in equality, keep watching, keep supporting, keep showing up.”

The Bigger Picture

For Musk, the “Cancel Netflix” push underscores his evolution from entrepreneur to cultural combatant. For Cohen, the controversy is another reminder of how fragile progress can be.

What began as a niche social media campaign has now become a national conversation about identity, inclusion, and corporate responsibility. And in that conversation, Andy Cohen has planted his flag firmly: against fear, against prejudice, and in favor of representation.