PodcastNetflix removes film 'Cuties' from Turkey catalogue upon media watchdog's orders
Netflix has removed the soon-to-be released French film “Cuties” from its Turkey catalogue upon the orders of the country's broadcasting watchdog RTÜK. Last week, in its first ruling related to a video-on-demand platform, RTÜK judged that the film contained exploitation and abuse and "might lead to potential child exploitation behaviour patterns emerging."
Duvar English
Netflix has removed the French film "Cuties" from its Turkey catalogue upon the orders of broadcasting watchdog (RTÜK).
Turkey's media watchdog orders Netflix to block 'Cuties' film ahead of launch"We are considering RTÜK’s demand - and in the meantime have delayed the launch of Cuties in Turkey," Reuters quoted a Netflix spokesperson as saying on Sept. 7.
The plot of "Cuties" centres 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 Sept. 9.
Last week, in its first ruling related to a video-on-demand platform, RTÜK judged that the film contained exploitation and abuse and "might lead to potential child exploitation behaviour patterns emerging."
Turkey's Family Ministry last month requested that RTÜK evaluate the film over concerns about its impact, noting it appeared like a children's movie, but had an 18+ rating.
"Cuties" was previously criticised internationally over its promotional poster for allegedly sexualising 11-year-old girls. Netflix then apologised for what it called "inappropriate artwork," saying it was not representative of the film.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) along with its ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has a majority of members in RTÜK.