Netflix recently revealed the trailer and poster for an upcoming film that would be available for streaming on the OTT platform in September and the content of the film caused quite the uproar.
Titled, Cuties, the film is a 2020 coming-of-age comedy-drama, written and directed by Maïmouna Doucouré as her directorial debut. It follows the story of Amy, an 11-year-old girl who originally hails from Senegal and grows up in a working-class area of Paris. She eventually defies her 'conservative' family when she "becomes aware of her burgeoning sexuality," according to the film's description.
"Things turn swiftly as Amy is fascinated by her disobedient neighbour Angelica's twerking clique called Cuties," it reads.
Netflix had earlier chosen an image showing the four young stars posing in tight costumes baring their legs and midriffs to promote the upcoming film.
Following the promotional content and released trailer, tens of thousands signed a petition demanding the removal of the film altogether from the platform. Many described it as 'disgusting' and 'for the viewing pleasure of paedophiles'.
But Netflix only apologised for the promotional poster and said they'd replace it. "We´re deeply sorry for the inappropriate artwork that we used for Mignonnes/Cuties. It was not OK, nor was it representative of this French film which won an award at Sundance. We´ve now updated the pictures and description," Netflix wrote on Twitter on August 20.
We're deeply sorry for the inappropriate artwork that we used for Mignonnes/Cuties. It was not OK, nor was it representative of this French film which won an award at Sundance. We’ve now updated the pictures and description.
— Netflix (@netflix) August 20, 2020
Now, after becoming aware of the film, popular Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi has also spoken up against it on Twitter. "It's horrifying to see a show in the mainstream blatantly sexualising 11-year-old kids. If this show is still there by the next month, I am canceling my Netflix subscription and so should you." said the Alif actor.
He then went on to share the petition many were sharing earlier on and called for the cancelation of the show. "Cancel Cuties on Netflix! - Sign the Petition!" he added.
A user then responded to his tweet saying, "Already cancelled. This normalisation of sexualising children needs to stop and those pushing it need to be challenged. Authorities should investigate this as a matter of urgency."
To this Abbasi said, "Not canceled. Netflix only apologized for the poster and changed it."
The user then clarified that they were talking about their own Netflix subscription when they said, "already canceled'. They further added "I hope Netflix sees sense and removes the show."
Its horrifying to see a show in the mainstream blatantly sexualising 11 yr old kids. If this show is still there by next month..i am canceling my Netflix subscription and so should you.
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) August 31, 2020
Netflix: Cancel CUTIES on Netflix! - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/sk5eYbYRCX via @Change
Nevertheless, a social media user had earlier shared a screenshot of their alleged conversation with the streaming giant, asking whether if it supported peadophilia. "How does a movie sexualising children get approved? Who signed off on this?" they asked.
In response Netflix reportedly said, "We understand that not all stories may appeal to all our viewers, which is why we always invest in a diverse range of content from all over the world. We also provide ratings, synopsis, trailers and controls to help our members make the right viewing choices for themselves and their families."
Following this the user asked again, "Do you support paedophilia? A simple yes or no will suffice." And the answer was, "We cannot really comment on that but while we believe in the creative freedom, at Netflix we respect all religions and their cultures, traditions and values."
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Girls at that age are married in Pakistan. Mr.Abbasi has nothing to say about that.