Bengals’ Joe Burrow Pushes Back Against Elon Musk’s Netflix Boycott, Calls Out “Division and Distraction”

Cincinnati, OH — As tech billionaire Elon Musk continues to amplify calls for a Netflix boycott over LGBTQ+ content and a controversy surrounding British animator Hamish Steele, one of the NFL’s most prominent young stars is speaking out against what he calls “manufactured outrage” designed to divide Americans.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, fresh off another strong start to the NFL season, used his post-practice media availability on Thursday to directly address Musk’s campaign. Burrow criticized the Tesla CEO and X owner for turning diversity in entertainment into a political flashpoint and warned that campaigns like “Cancel Netflix” risk fueling hatred against LGBTQ+ communities.

“When you’ve got someone with Elon Musk’s influence turning shows and creators into scapegoats, you’re not protecting kids — you’re teaching them division,” Burrow said. “We should be lifting people up, not canceling them for being who they are. America doesn’t need another culture war. We need humanity.”

Burrow Breaks Silence on Culture War

The 26-year-old Bengals star is not known for chasing headlines outside of football. But as reporters pressed him on the growing boycott trend, Burrow delivered a measured yet passionate statement. He argued that corporate diversity efforts and inclusive storytelling are not threats, but reflections of real people’s lives.

“Netflix telling stories about LGBTQ characters doesn’t hurt anybody,” Burrow said. “If anything, it gives kids who feel different a reason to believe they belong. That matters. I’ve got friends, teammates, and fans who are gay or trans. They deserve to feel safe turning on their TV without being told their existence is some kind of danger.”

His remarks come at a time when Musk’s posts — particularly those aimed at Steele and Netflix — have fueled a wave of online vitriol. LGBTQ advocates say the billionaire’s framing of the issue as one of “protecting children” echoes talking points that have been used to justify harassment campaigns.

The Musk Factor

Musk began promoting the “Cancel Netflix” hashtag earlier this week, sharing a series of posts from right-wing accounts criticizing Netflix’s diversity statistics and alleging the company “pushes transgender ideology.” Musk specifically targeted Steele, whose animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park included queer and trans characters before being canceled in 2023.

The controversy escalated after screenshots of a supposed old post from Steele resurfaced, in which he allegedly insulted conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Steele has denied celebrating Kirk’s death, calling the claims “lies and slander.”

Yet Musk continued to amplify the backlash, writing: “Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.” His comments coincided with a modest dip in Netflix stock, though analysts noted the broader market volatility.

Burrow: “This Is About People, Not Politics”

Burrow pushed back on Musk’s framing, suggesting the billionaire is leveraging his platform to turn entertainment choices into ideological battlegrounds.

“This isn’t about whether you watch a cartoon or not. It’s about people’s lives,” Burrow said. “When Elon Musk tells millions of people that queer stories are dangerous, it doesn’t just stay online. It trickles down into locker rooms, into classrooms, into homes. That has real consequences.”

He added a direct message to Bengals fans:

“I want every fan in Cincinnati to know — if you’re LGBTQ, if your kid is LGBTQ, you belong in our stadium. You belong in this country. Don’t let anyone tell you different, no matter how many billions of dollars they have.”

Reactions Across the League

Burrow’s statement is one of the strongest by any current NFL player on LGBTQ issues this season. While the NFL has made efforts in recent years to highlight Pride campaigns and support inclusivity, players rarely comment directly on specific cultural controversies.

His words drew immediate praise from advocacy groups. GLAAD released a statement within hours, calling Burrow “a leader on and off the field who understands that representation saves lives.”

Social media reaction was swift as well, with fans hailing him as “the anti-Musk” and “a real role model.” Conservative critics, meanwhile, accused Burrow of virtue signaling and “pandering to the woke mob.”

Netflix Stays Silent, Pressure Mounts

For now, Netflix has yet to comment directly on Musk’s boycott campaign or Burrow’s intervention. The company has historically defended its diversity initiatives as essential to reaching global audiences. But with Musk using his massive platform to fan calls for cancellation, the silence may not last much longer.

Still, Burrow’s entry into the debate has shifted the narrative, giving LGBTQ advocates a powerful new ally in professional sports.

Bigger Than Football

Asked if he worried about backlash from fans or sponsors, Burrow shook his head.

“Football’s important, but it’s not bigger than people’s dignity,” he said. “If speaking out costs me something, so be it. At the end of the day, I want to be able to look my teammates, my family, and myself in the eye and know I stood up for what’s right.”

The Bottom Line

As Elon Musk continues to use his platform to amplify culture war controversies, Burrow’s sharp rebuttal underscores how the debate has spilled far beyond Silicon Valley. The battle lines are now drawn across corporate boardrooms, political arenas, and NFL locker rooms.

And if Musk’s goal was to make “Cancel Netflix” a national talking point, Burrow’s response may ensure it becomes something bigger: a referendum on whether America will embrace inclusivity — or let division win.