This 2018 controversy reshaped how Netflix navigates political appointments and content partnerships—a pattern that continues influencing streaming decisions today.

Susan Rice Joins Netflix

Barack Obama’s National Security Advisor, Susan Rice, is set to join the streaming company, Netflix, as one of its Board of Directors.  However, this isn’t the first time that Netflix has aggravated right-wing dismay. In other news, Obama is expected to negotiate a content deal with the streaming company, which demonstrates its inclination towards the left.

Delighted to welcome Rice on board, the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings said in a statement that she has tackled difficult, complex global issues with intelligence, integrity and insight, for decades and thus, the company looks forward to benefiting from her experience and wisdom. Rice’s term as a United Nations Ambassador can also prove as an asset to Netflix, as it continues to expand deeply into international markets. With an increased regulatory attention to the media industry, growing companies like Netflix clearly need someone senior on board to guide them through the storm.

About Susan Rice

Currently, Rice is a visiting fellow at Havard and is also an opinion writer for The New York Times.

During Obama’s second term as the President, Rice was one of the members of his National Security Council. This put her in charge of foreign and national security policy, intelligence and military efforts.

In 2012, during the attacks on the US Embassy in Benghazi and Libya, Rice was accused of underplaying the attack as a spontaneous act of violence in response to an anti-Muslim film (Innocence of Muslims), by the Republican lawmakers.

Reaction From The American Media

While the American Media never shied away from its political inclination, this move from the Republican side is much more than just a subtle power play. Undeniably, the conservative media outlets were quick to criticize the announcement. Considering Rice and Trump never had it even, Republicans went on to troll Rice all over Twitter after the announcement was made.

As per a Tweet, which asked whether you would cancel your Netflix membership due to Susan Rice’s hiring on board, 58% people agreed to cancel their subscriptions. Though it sounds like a catastrophe, it can’t be considered one to its true essence. This is because such polls are conducted by people who are conservatives and usually, conservatives are the ones who vote against the democrat moves.

Have You Cancelled Your #Netflix Membership Due To Hiring Susan Rice To The Board?

— Kevin W (@kwilli1046) March 30, 2018

A campaign run through the hashtag #BoycottNetflix has gained momentum. It allegedly accuses the company to spreading propaganda by maintaining ties with Democrats like Obama and Rice. Various people across the US are posting screenshots that depict the cancellation of their Netflix subscription.

Due to this, Netflix’s Stock Price also suffered a great fall after the announcement was made on Wednesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Susan Rice and why did Netflix hire her?

Susan Rice served as National Security Advisor to President Obama and later as UN Ambassador. Netflix appointed her to its Board of Directors to leverage her expertise in global policy and international expansion as the company faces increased regulatory scrutiny worldwide.

What is #BoycottNetflix movement about?

Right-wing American groups launched #BoycottNetflix after Susan Rice’s appointment, viewing it as Netflix’s political alignment with the Obama administration. The boycott reflected broader tensions over corporate leadership choices and perceived political bias in media companies.

Why does Susan Rice’s appointment matter to Indian Netflix viewers?

Rice’s appointment signals how Netflix hires senior advisors for international expansion and regulatory navigation. Her diplomatic background influences Netflix’s content strategy in emerging markets like India, potentially affecting what shows get greenlit or promoted regionally.

Did the #BoycottNetflix campaign succeed?

The boycott generated significant social media buzz but didn’t significantly impact Netflix’s subscriber base or operations. Netflix maintained Rice’s appointment and continued its strategic direction, demonstrating the company’s resilience against political pressure campaigns.

How did Susan Rice respond to the controversy?

Susan Rice remained focused on her Netflix board responsibilities without extensively engaging with the boycott movement. Her appointment stood as Netflix continued pursuing high-profile figures with government experience to strengthen its leadership team.