Family ministry asks Turkey's media watchdog to adopt measures against Netflix's Cuties

Duvar English

The Family, Labor and Social Services Ministry has applied to Turkey's media watchdog for it to adopt "necessary measures" against a new Netflix movie called Cuties, which is at the center of controversy for "sexualizing children."

The ministry submitted an application to the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), asking for it to evaluate the French-Senegalese film.

In a statement, the ministry said that the movie might make children "vulnerable to negligence and abuse," adding that it can have a negative impact on children's "psycho-social development."

The application was submitted on Aug. 20.

Thousands worldwide have accused the online streaming platform of sexualizing young girls and some even demanded a ban on the award-winning film after its poster was shared.

Responding to the criticism, Netflix on Aug. 20 issued an apology and announced that it was taking down the controversial art work, which featured young girls wearing “skimpy outfits” and posing in “provocative” ways. However, the site has decided against scrapping the film, which is set to release online on Sept. 9.

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