Netflix is facing backlash after its UK and Ireland X account posted a message about a “neck injury” on September 10, the first anniversary of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The post featured actor Theo James’ character from Netflix’s The Gentlemen turning his head to look at a woman, accompanied by the caption, “Nearly did himself a neck injury.”

The wording immediately drew criticism because Kirk was fatally shot in the neck at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The anniversary made the timing particularly sensitive, and critics accused Netflix of making an inappropriate reference to Kirk’s death. Social media users called for boycotts and shared claims that they had canceled their Netflix subscriptions following the post.

Netflix has denied that the post had anything to do with Kirk. A company spokesperson said the message “directly references a plot point” from the British series The Gentlemen, whose second season launched September 3. Netflix called suggestions that the post was connected to real-world events “inaccurate and ludicrous.”

The company’s explanation is based on an actual scene from the series. The post appears to reference a moment involving James’ character, Eddie Horniman, who quickly turns his head to look at Susie Glass, played by Kaya Scodelario. Other coverage of the scene has likewise identified the caption as a reference to that moment in the show.

That explanation, however, has done little to quiet the controversy. Critics have questioned why Netflix’s social media team would choose the phrase “neck injury” on the exact anniversary of a political assassination in which the victim was shot in the neck. Even if the post originated from a scene in the show, the timing gave the company an obvious reason to anticipate how the message could be received.

Netflix also faced criticism for its response to the controversy. Rather than acknowledging the sensitivity of the date or expressing regret for the appearance of an insensitive reference, the company dismissed the criticism as “ludicrous.” The post also remained online as calls for boycotts spread across social media.

There is no verified evidence establishing that Netflix intentionally referenced Kirk’s assassination. However, the combination of the wording, the anniversary date, and the company’s decision to stand by the post has kept the controversy alive, leaving Netflix to defend a social media decision that many critics consider deeply inappropriate regardless of its stated intent.