It was not OK: Netflix apologises for 'inappropriate' poster of 'Cuties' following backlash

As per the trailer, however, the film is being accused of 'normalising paedophilia' by 'sexualising children'

Video streaming giant Netflix has apologised after its promotional material for a French film sparked accusations that it was 'sexualising young girls'.

The award-winning Cuties (Mignonnes) follows black 11-year-old Amy as she grows up in a working-class area of Paris, defies her family and becomes aware of her burgeoning sexuality.

The poster promoting the film in France shows four brightly dressed girls throwing confetti as they walk up a street.

However, in the United States and internationally Netflix chose an image showing the four young stars posing in tight costumes baring their legs and midriffs.

"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," Netflix said on Twitter late Thursday.

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

"We´ve now updated the pictures and description."

Tens of thousands signed a petition demanding the removal of the film from the platform, where it is due to be streamed from September 9, describing the film as 'disgusting' and 'for the viewing pleasure of paedophiles'.

But social media users focused on the Netflix artwork, helping to redirect the storm towards the hugely popular streaming platform.

Not to mention, a social media user also uploaded 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."

Several Twitter users also accused Netfix of simply repackaging the same content after it apologised for only the problematic artwork in its tweet. 

1..But the content and aim of the movie is still the same. So now it’s just misleading. Or would be. So much of a fuss has rightly been kicked off about the theme of this disgusting movie who’s target audience is paedophiles. My 8 year old would be flicking through her account..

— Dee (@Dee45815347) August 22, 2020

changing the description wont change what is on screen. if the original description was accurate, the whole thing needs to burn

— waluigi (@YourDadWaluigi) August 20, 2020

are you kidding me? CANCEL the movie if you're going to apologize, the poster is the least if the movie still has scenes of the girls dancing that dance in those same clothes. just disgusting pic.twitter.com/aTduuW9MYq

— Harrycane (@Melina_Daneri) August 20, 2020

Its literally a movie about 11 year olds twerking... what pedo at netflix made this?

— 🌈👑 💜Lotuxi💙 🌈👑 (@Lotuxi) August 20, 2020

Directed by French-Senegalese woman Maimouna Doucoure, the film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in the US and at the Berlin festival, winning awards at both.

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