Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron is taking a public stand against Netflix, arguing that the streaming giant is receiving undue tax benefits from New Jersey despite its content being divisive to many residents. As leader of the 1792 Exchange, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting quality products and limiting politically charged corporate actions, Cameron has rated Netflix with a ‘medium risk’ due to its promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives alongside what he describes as ‘political activism.’ The issue has gained traction following the resurfacing of a clip from the children’s show ‘Dead End: Paranormal Park,’ which originally aired in 2022 and now has resurfaced after being rediscovered by conservative figures like Elon Musk. The clip featured a character who came out as transgender, prompting calls for parental awareness and a reassessment of the company’s content for young audiences.
The controversy has led to broader scrutiny of Netflix’s children’s programming, with other titles such as ‘Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City’ and ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ coming under fire for similar themes. Cameron’s concerns are compounded by Netflix’s recent announcement of a $1 billion production facility in New Jersey, which has been approved with a $387 million tax credit. This has sparked debates over whether public funds should support corporate entities that push controversial viewpoints, especially when it comes to content affecting children. Cameron is urging New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates to engage with these concerns, arguing that tax incentives should not be used to promote ideologies that clash with the majority of citizens.