Updated Jul 17, 2026
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Netflix's "Gone with the Wind" description draws online backlash

LOS ANGELES, July 17. A Netflix title page for "Gone with the Wind" carrying the description "A 1939 American Civil War epic known for its racism" drew online criticism this week, with Elon Musk writing that it "needs to change" and conservative commentators amplifying a screenshot of the page. The film is not currently available to stream on Netflix in the United States; the title page remains live as an inactive placeholder on the platform's website.

By Mara Whitfield2 min read
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LOS ANGELES, July 17. A Netflix title page for "Gone with the Wind" carrying the description "A 1939 American Civil War epic known for its racism" drew online criticism this week, with Elon Musk writing that it "needs to change" and conservative commentators amplifying a screenshot of the page. The film is not currently available to stream on Netflix in the United States; the title page remains live as an inactive placeholder on the platform's website.

A description that has been there for years

The Netflix page also directs visitors to search for Black Lives Matter content, adding: "To learn more about Black lives in America, search 'Black Lives Matter.'" The description is not new. It has existed on the platform for years, though this week's recirculation drew reactions from a range of online commentators.

Jack Posobiec of Turning Point Action wrote "Buy physical media" on X in response to a screenshot shared by user Valliant Renegade. The account End Wokeness wrote: "Holy crap. I just checked. It's real." On Wednesday, Musk joined the exchange, writing simply: "Needs to change."

Fox News Digital contacted Netflix for comment and did not immediately receive a response.

How other platforms describe the film

HBO Max, which currently streams the film in the United States, describes it as "A strong-willed Southern belle struggles to save her beloved home and find love against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction." Hulu's listing reads: "Classic tale of Scarlett O'Hara's battle to save her beloved Tara and find love during the Civil War."

Neither description references racism or directs users to separate content categories.

The film and its recurring controversies

"Gone with the Wind" is based on Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel. The film, nearly four hours long, won eight Academy Awards in 1940, including Best Picture. Actress Hattie McDaniel became the first Black person to win an Oscar, for her role as Mammy. Adjusted for inflation, it ranks as the highest-grossing film of all time.

In 2020, HBO Max temporarily pulled the film following the George Floyd protests and a Los Angeles Times opinion piece by John Ridley, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of "12 Years a Slave." Ridley wrote that the film "glorifies the antebellum South" and, when it does not ignore the horrors of slavery, "pauses only to perpetuate some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color." HBO Max restored the film with an added historical introduction.

Critics have long accused the film of framing the Civil War as a defense of Southern civilization rather than a conflict over slavery.

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Key takeaways

Frequently asked

What did the Netflix description of "Gone with the Wind" say?

It called the film "A 1939 American Civil War epic known for its racism" and added, "To learn more about Black lives in America, search 'Black Lives Matter.'"

Can you stream "Gone with the Wind" on Netflix?

No, the film is not currently available to stream on Netflix in the United States, though the title page remains live as an inactive placeholder.

Who criticized the Netflix description?

Elon Musk wrote that it "needs to change," and conservative commentators including Jack Posobiec and the account End Wokeness amplified a screenshot of the page.

How do other platforms describe the film?

HBO Max and Hulu describe it through its plot involving Scarlett O'Hara and the Civil War, without referencing racism or directing users to separate content categories.

Has the film faced controversy before?

Yes; in 2020 HBO Max temporarily pulled it after the George Floyd protests and a critical Los Angeles Times op-ed, later restoring it with an added historical introduction.