Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos did not hold back on his criticism of the Democratic Party in a message announcing his endorsement for mayor of Los Angeles.
A Twitter user shared a screenshot of Sarandos’ letter originally featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s website urging voters to support former Republican and Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso.
“I am writing this as a citizen of this beautiful but struggling city of ours,” Sarandos wrote.
He added, “The entire Machine of the Democratic Party had aligned for a candidate that is part of the very system that is failing this city. They are wrong. I am choosing to ignore the endorsements of the club members for a club member and vote for better leadership – I encourage you to do the same I am a lifetime Democrat.”
Sarandos explained Caruso is the “Democrat I’ve been waiting for, one with a plan and a track record of accomplishing impossible tasks in California and Los Angeles.”
The letter continues, “He does it by building coalitions and working with everyone involved to build consensus and support. He can do that because he understands the needs and he understands the system that stands in the way of progress. He is a problem solver. That’s what he does all day, every day. He is not a legislator; he is a doer who understands the legislators and the legislated. He makes Los Angeles a better place.”
The streaming giant’s leader told readers if they are “tired of the inhumane way the homeless population lives in this city, the filth that goes uncleaned, the corruption in city hall, shrinking law enforcement and rising crime and now, the threat of even higher taxes … vote for Rick Caruso.”
Concluding his letter, Sarandos argued the city is “at an inflection point. This election is the most important in memory. There are problems in the world and in the country that need to be solved, but it starts locally.”
He added, “Let’s solve the problems in Los Angeles by electing a Mayor who can work with the people, has a track record of accomplishments, understands business and is a decent human and true leader.”
Read the letter below:
https://twitter.com/loudmouthjulia/status/1589297794141270018
The Twitter user did point out, as of Sunday, the letter appeared to be “gone.”
Caruso has received endorsements from other notable individuals, including actors Chris Pratt and singer Katy Perry.
Pratt wrote on Instagram over the weekend Caruso is “a builder. He knows how to get sh*t done. He’s the guy for our city.”
One user on Twitter shared a photo Perry posted to her Instagram showing her voting for Caruso.
Katy Perry voting for Republican Rick Caruso for LA Mayor
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) November 7, 2022
This just shows you just how bad things have gotten. That a celebrity would not only vote R — but then publicly post it is something else. You could say the energy is shifting. pic.twitter.com/CHhcVa1W1L
Caruso is running against Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) who is being backed by President Joe Biden.
CBS News noted polls showed the race between Bass and Caruso tightened in the final weeks.
The outlet also pointed out Caruso previously identified as a Republican until 2019.
During a debate in September, Caruso explained he has always been “socially liberal,” adding he left the Republican Party because it did not “reflect his values,” as CBS News reported.