Netflix UK & Ireland sparked a social media backlash Thursday after posting a seemingly innocuous joke about a “neck injury” on the one-year anniversary of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The official Netflix UK & Ireland account shared a series of images at 8 a.m. Thursday alongside the caption, “Nearly did himself a neck injury.”
Under ordinary circumstances, the remark might have attracted little attention beyond fans of the streaming giant’s programming. The timing, however, quickly raised eyebrows among some users on social media.
Thursday marks exactly one year since Kirk, 31, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot in the neck on Sept. 10, 2025.
There is no evidence that Netflix’s post was intended as a reference to Kirk’s assassination. The wording could very plausibly be a coincidence related solely to the scene the account was promoting.
Still, some users interpreted the timing and specific reference to a neck injury differently.
Libs of TikTok was among those who blasted Netflix in a reply to the post, writing, “I’m so glad I canceled my subscription. You guys are sick.”
The reaction comes as Kirk’s assassination has again become a major topic across social media on the first anniversary of his death.
While most have shared tributes and remembrances, left-wing users have marked the anniversary with dark jokes and memes about Kirk’s assassination. Some have dubbed the date “Kirkiversary,” while other viral posts have made explicit references to the location of Kirk’s fatal wound.
That online backdrop appears to have fueled suspicion surrounding Netflix UK & Ireland’s otherwise unrelated post.
Kirk was killed by a single gunshot while addressing a large crowd during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to seven charges in connection with Kirk’s killing, including aggravated murder.
A Utah judge ruled earlier this month that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Netflix UK & Ireland’s post had amassed more than 2 million views by Thursday afternoon, according to figures displayed on X.
Whether the wording was simply an unfortunately timed coincidence or something more deliberate remains unknown.
The ambiguity, however, was enough to set off a heated reaction online.
