Brandon Lake Calls for Netflix to Cut His Scenes from Christian Music Documentary Over LGBTQ+ Content Concerns

In a bold and controversial move that’s sending shockwaves through the Christian music community, Grammy-winning worship artist Brandon Lake has publicly urged Netflix to excise all his appearances from an upcoming documentary chronicling his life and ministry. The film, tentatively titled Echoes of the Tour, follows Lake’s transformative “Tear Off the Roof” worship tour, capturing intimate moments of faith, music, and spiritual awakening. However, Lake’s stance stems from his deep-seated objections to Netflix’s programming, particularly content featuring LGBTQ+ themes accessible to children. In a fiery social media post on October 12, 2025, Lake declared, “I’ve cancelled Netflix—not just for me, but for the values we hold sacred,” igniting debates on faith, family, and corporate responsibility. As fans rally and critics decry the decision as divisive, Lake’s call highlights the growing tension between evangelical artists and mainstream platforms.

Brandon Lake’s meteoric rise in Christian music has positioned him as a voice for uncompromised faith in a secular world. Born in 1990 in South Carolina, Lake began as a worship leader in local churches before exploding onto the scene with Bethel Music in 2015, co-writing hits like “This Is a Move.” His solo career took off with albums Closer (2016) and Coat of Many Colors (2021), earning him a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2023 for Help!. Tracks such as “Gratitude” and “Praise You Anywhere” have amassed billions of streams, blending raw emotion with anthemic worship that resonates in arenas and online. Lake’s “Tear Off the Roof” tour, wrapping in late 2024, drew over 500,000 attendees across North America, emphasizing themes of healing and divine breakthrough. As a husband and father of three, Lake has long advocated for family values, often sharing testimonies of personal redemption and the power of prayer. His influence extends to collaborations with artists like Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music, making him a pivotal figure in modern worship.

The documentary Echoes of the Tour promised an intimate look at Lake’s ministry, but now faces potential editing amid his boycott. Produced by Essential Worship and slated for Netflix release in early 2026, the film weaves footage from the tour with behind-the-scenes stories of Lake’s journey from small-town roots to global stages. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alex Kendrick (War Room), it features candid interviews, live performances, and testimonials from fans touched by Lake’s music. Initial trailers showcased Lake leading fervent worship in sold-out venues, interspersed with reflections on faith’s role in overcoming adversity. Netflix, eager to expand its faith-based catalog after successes like The Chosen, acquired streaming rights in a multi-picture deal. However, Lake’s recommendation to “cut all of my scenes” could drastically alter the project, potentially reducing his on-screen presence to archival clips or voiceovers. Insiders reveal negotiations are underway, with Lake’s team insisting on a clean break to align with his convictions.

Lake’s decision to “cancel Netflix” is rooted in his belief that the platform promotes LGBTQ+ content harmful to children, clashing with his biblical worldview. In his post, Lake cited shows like The Baby-Sitters Club and Heartstopper, which include queer characters and storylines, arguing they “confuse and endanger young minds” by normalizing what he views as contrary to scripture. “As a father, I can’t support a company that prioritizes agendas over innocence,” he wrote, echoing sentiments from conservative figures like Elon Musk, who in October 2025 launched a “Netflix cancellation war” over similar “woke” biases in kids’ programming. Lake referenced Romans 12:2—”Do not conform to the pattern of this world”—framing his boycott as a stand for purity. This isn’t Lake’s first foray into cultural critique; in 2023, he addressed AI mislabeling him as gay in a viral video, using it to affirm his heterosexual marriage and faith. Critics, however, accuse him of hypocrisy, pointing to Netflix’s diverse faith content like Pray Away, a 2021 documentary exposing harms of conversion therapy.

The Christian music industry grapples with balancing mainstream reach and doctrinal purity, spotlighted by Lake’s high-profile stance. Lake’s move follows similar actions by artists like Lauren Daigle, who faced backlash for appearing on Ellen, and groups boycotting platforms over inclusivity. Organizations such as the Gospel Music Association have praised Lake’s “courageous integrity,” while others, including progressive Christian voices on Reddit’s r/GayChristians, express dismay, recalling Lake’s 2024 therapy interview where he emphasized God’s unconditional love. The documentary’s future hangs in balance; Netflix could comply, pivot to a theatrical release via partners like Fathom Events, or shelve it entirely, as seen in 2020 when a series was canceled over gay character disputes. Lake’s fanbase, largely evangelical, has mobilized with #CancelNetflix trending among 200,000 posts, but broader audiences worry it alienates potential converts to worship music.

Lake’s boycott has ignited a firestorm of reactions, from fervent support to accusations of intolerance, underscoring America’s cultural divides. Supporters, including pastor John Piper, hail it as “prophetic discernment,” with petitions urging boycotts garnering 50,000 signatures overnight. LGBTQ+ advocates, via GLAAD, decry it as “harmful rhetoric” that stigmatizes queer youth, linking it to rising mental health crises. On X (formerly Twitter), #BrandonLakeBoycott splits along lines: conservatives share memes of Lake “praising through the storm,” while others post clips from Heartstopper affirming representation. Even allies like Phil Wickham, Lake’s tour partner, issued a measured response: “Love the sinner, hate the sin—let’s pray for unity.” The controversy boosts Lake’s visibility, with streams of “Graves Into Gardens” up 30% post-announcement. Yet it risks fracturing his crossover appeal, as seen in declining Spotify plays from urban demographics.

As Echoes of the Tour navigates this crossroads, Lake’s stand reaffirms his commitment to faith over fame, challenging believers to examine their alliances. By recommending his scenes’ removal, Lake prioritizes conscience, declaring, “I’d rather worship in empty rooms than compromise on eternity.” This echoes his ministry’s core: transformation through unyielding truth. Netflix, facing subscriber dips from conservative churn, may recalibrate its family content strategy, while the doc could emerge stronger, focusing on collective worship. For Lake, it’s a defining moment—potentially costing partnerships but solidifying his role as a warrior for values. As debates rage, one truth persists: in a polarized era, voices like Lake’s remind us that conviction, however contentious, can spark revival. Fans await resolution, but Lake’s message rings clear—praise endures, even amid cancellation.