Netflix responded on Thursday to criticism that a post on its United Kingdom and Ireland X account mocked the one‑year anniversary of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The post featured a still from the series “The Gentlemen,” showing lead character Eddie Horniman looking toward his partner during a wedding scene, with the caption “Nearly did himself a neck injury.”
Conservative users on X quickly linked the caption to Kirk, who was shot in the neck during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. Several commentators, including Libs of TikTok and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, accused Netflix of a “disgusting” joke and suggested the company was aligning with political opponents.
Netflix’s response
In a comment to Fox News Digital, a Netflix spokesperson denied any intent to reference Kirk’s death. “This post directly references a plot point from our U.K. series, ‘The Gentlemen,’ which launched its second season on Sept. 3. Suggestions that it has any link to sensitive real‑world events are inaccurate and ludicrous,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that the caption was meant solely to highlight a moment from the show and that any perceived connection to the tragic event was unintended. As of Thursday evening, the post remained visible on the Netflix UK & Ireland account.
Background on the anniversary
The one‑year anniversary of Kirk’s assassination has prompted heightened concern among Turning Point USA staff and supporters. Reporter Savanah Hernandez noted increased threats but also expressed a renewed commitment to dialogue across the political aisle.
Universities across the country have faced scrutiny after reports of students planning “Kirkiversary” celebrations, prompting broader discussions about campus safety and free speech.
Public reaction
Critics on social media continued to denounce the Netflix post, with radio host Jason Rantz calling it “absolutely disgusting.” The Federalist senior editor John Daniel Davidson framed the incident as evidence of a hostile environment for conservatives, stating that “if you’re a conservative, your enemies are totally open and honest about their desire to kill you and destroy everything you love.”
Despite the backlash, Netflix has not removed the post and maintains that it was unrelated to any real‑world tragedy.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
