Netflix Receiving Backlash for Controversial ‘Cuties’ Movie

Netflix is getting a lot of backlash (rightfully so) after it was revealed on social media that a French film called "Cuties"  would soon be added to its lineup. Both the description and the artwork of the film raised controversy immediately for sexualizing young girls. Before Netflix updated the description it first read, "Amy, 11, becomes fascinated with a twerking dance crew. Hoping to join them, she starts to explore her femininity, defying her family's traditions." The trailer isn't any better either. Being rated M also raises speculation over who the film is even intended for.

Netflix did issue an apology: "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."

If you ask me the apology is pretty lame considering the artwork is only half of the issue and they immediately proceed to defend the film by bringing up it winning an award.

An online petition to remove the show has been created and already has over 60,000 signatures as of Thursday afternoon. The movie is set to be released on September 9th. With the amount of heat Netflix is catching right now though, I'm not sure if the movie will make it to then. I honestly hope it doesn't.  It's pretty clear that this movie is entirely inappropriate. The film is already trending on Twitter for all the wrong reasons. We'll see if Netflix issues any more statements or takes any more actions. Until then, what are your thoughts?