Netflix has been indicted by the Texas grand jury for promoting ‘lewd visual material’ in the film Cuties, which was written and directed by Maimouna Doucre.
Cuties, a French film about an eleven year old girl who rebels against her traditional upbringing and joins a dance group, has caused an uproar and has been criticised for sexualising and exploiting young children.
The indictment states that Cuties “appeals to the prurient interest in sex, and has no serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.”
In a statement to the New York Post, Netflix responded: “Cuties is a social commentary against the sexualisation of young children. This charge is without merit and we stand by the film.”
U.S Representative Brian Babin, previously tweeted: “Netflix’s “Cuties” clearly meets the U.S. legal definition of child pornography. It’s disturbing to see a mainstream media company promoting the sexualisation of children- it shouldn’t be allowed. I’m requesting the AG Barr bring charges against @netflix for distributing this film.”
In August, the Cuties movie poster was widely criticised for sexualising the young actors, in which Netflix apologised for. Furthermore, writer and director Mainmouna Doucre stated that Netflix’s original artwork for the film was “not representative of the film and especially its message.”
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she said, “It’s bold its feminist, but it’s so important and necessary to create debate and try to find solutions, for me as an artist, for politicians and parents, it’s a real issue.
“The controversy started with that artwork … The most important (thing) is to watch the film and understand we have the same fight.”
The indictment comes after #CancelNetflix trended online following the movie’s premier last month.