Netflix clarifies controversial 'neck injury' post on Charlie Kirk's assassination anniversary
Netflix Faces Backlash Over Social Media Post Amid Anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s Death
A routine promotional post by Netflix on its UK and Ireland X account has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with conservative figures accusing the streaming giant of subtly mocking the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The post, published on Thursday morning, featured images from the second season of the Netflix series "The Gentlemen," showing the lead character, Eddie Horniman (played by Theo James), in a scene where he nearly suffers a neck injury during his wedding. The accompanying text read, "Nearly did himself a neck injury."
The timing of the post, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Kirk’s death on September 10, 2025, when he was shot in the neck during a campus event at Utah Valley University, sparked immediate outrage among conservative X users. Prominent accounts, including Libs of TikTok, condemned the post as "DISGUSTING" and accused Netflix of "subtly mocking" Kirk’s death, with one user declaring, "Woke Netflix hates us. So glad I cancelled my subscription." Other commentators, such as former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt and radio host Jason Rantz, echoed these sentiments, with Rantz calling the coincidence "absolutely disgusting." The Federalist’s senior editor, John Daniel Davidson, went further, stating that the incident highlights how conservative enemies are "totally open and honest about their desire to kill you and destroy everything you love."
However, Netflix swiftly addressed the backlash. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson denied any intent to reference Kirk, calling the suggestions "inaccurate and ludicrous." The company clarified that the post directly pertains to a plot point from "The Gentlemen," which had launched its second season on September 3. "Suggestions that it has any link to sensitive real world events are inaccurate and ludicrous," the spokesperson emphasized. As of Thursday evening, the post remained visible on the Netflix UK and Ireland account.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding the anniversary of Kirk’s death. In the lead-up to September 10, several universities faced criticism for planning "Kirkiversary" events, including look-alike contests, which some viewed as insensitive. Despite the uproar, Savanah Hernandez, a reporter for Turning Point USA, offered a perspective of resilience. She acknowledged increased threats and violence following Kirk’s assassination but stressed that TPUSA remains "more emboldened than ever" to continue its mission of fostering cross-political dialogue, honoring Kirk’s legacy of conversation and outreach.
This incident underscores the ongoing sensitivity around political violence and the role of media in public discourse, with Netflix’s clarification aiming to quell accusations while the debate over intent and interpretation continues.