Here’s a jaw-dropping claim that’s stirring up the internet: a prominent MAGA influencer is convinced that Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is part of a grand scheme by the Obamas to dominate the entire media landscape. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a legitimate concern or a baseless conspiracy theory? Let’s dive in.
Benny Johnson, a MAGA influencer with a massive following of 10 million across X and YouTube, recently made headlines by alleging that former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are orchestrating a media takeover. His claim centers on Netflix’s staggering $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, including its streaming giant HBO Max. While the deal is far from finalized and faces significant antitrust scrutiny, Johnson argues it’s a strategic move to consolidate power.
And this is the part most people miss—Johnson points to the Obamas’ 2018 production deal with Netflix, which has since yielded over a dozen critically acclaimed projects, including Fatherhood (2021) and Leave the World Behind (2023). He also highlights that Susan Rice, a former Obama administration official, sits on Netflix’s board of directors. To Johnson, these connections are no coincidence—they’re evidence of a calculated effort to control media narratives.
During an appearance on Fox Business, Johnson didn’t hold back. He accused the Obamas of producing ‘woke documentaries’ and warned that the Warner Bros. acquisition would give them, along with ‘DNC mega-donors,’ control over iconic franchises like Batman and Harry Potter. In a follow-up post on X, he doubled down, urging the Department of Justice to block the deal on antitrust grounds.
But is there any merit to these claims? Netflix, for its part, framed the acquisition as a merger of two entertainment pioneers, combining Netflix’s innovation with Warner Bros.’ storied legacy of storytelling. Critics, however, argue that such a deal could stifle competition and give too much power to a single entity. Here’s the controversial question—are Johnson’s allegations a legitimate warning about media consolidation, or are they an overblown reaction fueled by political bias?
To add context, the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground Productions, has indeed made a mark with its Netflix collaborations, ranging from dramas to docuseries like Starting 5. Yet, the idea that this equates to a media takeover seems far-fetched to many. Still, Johnson’s claims have sparked heated debates, with some questioning the role of political figures in media and others dismissing it as fearmongering.
What do you think? Is this a genuine threat to media diversity, or is it a stretch to connect the dots? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this polarizing issue. The Independent has reached out to the Obama Foundation and Netflix for comment, but as of now, the debate rages on.
