Controversial Netflix film Cuties has been subject to criticism and even sparked a social media campaign called #CancelNetflix. But now the title has returned to the spotlight in a battle between Netflix and movie critics. Here’s the lowdown on what happened and why
Why was Netflix indicted over Cuties?
According to Texas Representative Matt Schaefer, a grand jury formally indicted Netflix over Cuties due to its alleged exploitation of the young people who appear in the movie.
In a post on Twitter, Schaefer said: ‘Netflix, Inc. indicted by grand jury in Tyler Co., Tx for promoting material in Cuties film which depicts lewd exhibition of pubic area of a clothed or partially clothed child who was younger than 18 yrs of age which appeals to the purient interest in sex’.
How has Netflix responded to the indictment?
A Netflix spokesperson provided a statement to Yahoo Entertainment, saying ‘Cuties is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children. This charge is without merit and we stand by the film.’
How has the public responded to the news?
A fresh wave of #CancelNetflix posts have appeared on social media, but while there were initially account cancellations when the controversy first surfaced, there have apparently not been too many since the indictment news broke.
