Netflix is threatening to boycott Georgia if the state’s so-called “heartbeat” law goes into effect. The Obamas signed a multi-million dollar deal to produce new content for Netflix in Georgia.
Georgia is among six states that have passed restrictive reproductive health laws including the heartbeat law that bans all abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Netflix joined Hollywood stars who are calling for the film industry to boycott Georgia. Alyssa Milano, Mark Hamill, and Elizabeth Perkins are among the stars who declined to film projects in the state of Georgia.
Netflix is the first studio to speak out about the heartbeat law.
“We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, told Variety. “It’s why we will work with the ACLU and others to fight it in court. Given the legislation has not yet been implemented, we’ll continue to film there, while also supporting partners and artists who choose not to. Should it ever come into effect, we’d rethink our entire investment in Georgia.”
Cable TV network Starz announced a donation to pro-abortion groups during its series, P-Valley.
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) also made vague threats by noting the positive effect its members have had on Georgia’s economy over the years.
Georgia has generated over $9.5 billion from 92,000 television and film industry jobs. Film studios were drawn to the area thanks to tax incentives introduced in 2002 and strengthened in 2008.
Tyler Perry, who owns the largest film and TV studio in Georgia, has not spoken out so far.
