Concerns Raised Over Netflix’s Political Stance During Acquisition Hearing
Senator Eric Schmidt (R-Missouri) expressed skepticism on Tuesday regarding Netflix’s request for a “rubber stamp” approval from Congress for its $100 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. He pointed out the streaming service’s history of advocating for gender ideology, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) under what he calls left-leaning principles.
In a post on X, Schmidt shared details about a hearing where he interacted with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. He remarked that Netflix has claimed a responsibility to address DEI and other progressive causes. However, during the hearing, Sarandos seemed unprepared to respond when pressed on these topics. Schmidt noted, “Netflix came to the Senate asking them to rubber-stamp its $100 billion acquisition of Warner Bros.,” alongside references to Netflix’s past activities supporting controversial agendas.
Schmidt highlighted a specific instance from June 20, 2020, when Netflix shared a video on social media addressing issues of guilt and shame among white audiences. The streamer’s statement insisted, “We must do everything in our power to spread that message…”
He also compared Netflix’s actions to its “Reform, Solidarity, Action” event endorsed by political figures including Stacey Abrams and organizations like Color of Change, which is linked to George Soros.
During the hearing, Schmidt noted that while Sarandos claimed Netflix isn’t a political entity, he stated that “silence is complicity,” and that the company felt a “duty” to voice its opinions. Schmidt found that contradictory, suggesting this stance is, in fact, political.
Additionally, the senator remarked that an overwhelming majority—99%—of Netflix employees’ political contributions have gone to Democrats. He mentioned Sarandos’s pattern of donating to the Democratic Party, as well. Furthermore, he pointed to Susan Rice’s appointment to Netflix’s board of directors; Rice has been active in promoting equity and racial justice during her time in the Biden administration.
When Schmidt pressed Sarandos on these political connections, Sarandos claimed that such postings were not intended to be political and expressed a desire for them not to recur. Schmidt concluded by emphasizing the necessity for scrutiny over the acquisition, asserting that it must align with the interests of the American public and warning against Netflix becoming a dominant force dictating content across screens nationwide.
