'Cuties' premiere delayed in Turkey following backlash

Country's broadcasting watchdog (RTUK) ordered it to be removed, saying it might lead to potential child exploitation

ISTANBUL:

Netflix has delayed the launch of French film Cuties in Turkey after broadcasting watchdog (RTUK) ordered it to be removed saying it might lead to potential child exploitation.

“We are considering RTUK’s demand - and in the meantime have delayed the launch of Cuties in Turkey,” a Netflix spokesperson said on Monday.

The plot of Cuties centers on an 11-year-old Muslim girl who “starts to rebel against her conservative family’s traditions when she becomes fascinated with a free-spirited dance crew”, according to Netflix.

The movie was due to be released on September 9.

Last month, in its first ruling related to a video-on-demand platform, RTUK judged that the film contained exploitation and abuse and “might lead to potential child exploitation behavior patterns emerging”.

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´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 pedophiles'.

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

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