Netflix, TripAdvisor and other companies are distancing themselves from a controversial “straight pride parade” after they were listed as potential corporate sponsors of the event on its website.
Netflix emailed the group organizing the parade, called Super Happy Fun America, writing this week, “You should know that we’re unafraid of bullies,” CNN reported on Thursday.
“Our legal department is here, it’s queer, and it’s telling you to steer clear,” the Netflix cease-and-desist email said.{mosads}
A spokesman for Netflix confirmed the letter in a statement to The Hill but declined to comment further.
The group is planning a parade in Boston for August. Its website said the parade celebrates the “diverse history, culture, and contributions of the straight community,” but the parade has been widely criticized as a parody of LGBT pride events.
The group condemned Netflix as anti-straight in a Wednesday statement.
“Netflix is a heterophobic company steeped in hatred and bigotry,” the group said in a statement, noting that the company threatened litigation if Super Happy Fun America did not stop using its name and logo.
“Obviously, Netflix has no qualms about using their position of power to threaten marginalized groups who are exercising their 1st amendment rights.” the group added.
TripAdvisor, meanwhile, told The Hill in a statement that its legal team on Friday also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Super Happy Fun America over the unauthorized use of its name and logo.
“I’m Coming Out and saying this clearly: you are infringing upon TripAdvisor’s intellectual property rights,” the letter said.
“Contrary to your claims, TripAdvisor is not ‘in negotiations’ with your organization for sponsorship of its ‘Straight Pride Parade.'” the letter continued. “You Need To Calm Down — you are not sponsored by, associated or affiliated with TripAdvisor in any way.”
Super Happy Fun America’s website said that JP Morgan Chase, State Street and Gillette also acted to distance themselves from the event.
Updated at 12:08 p.m.