Netflix could go on trial in Texas, US, after it refused to take down a controversial French film.
In Cuties, a dance group made up of 11-year-olds a learn and practice provocative and sexualised choreography in preparation for a competition after being inspired by music videos.
It has sparked anger since its September 9 Netflix release, with many accusing it of sexualising young children, and tens of thousands of people calling for it to be boycotted.
On September 23 a grand jury in Texas indicted the California-based streaming company – accusing them of broadcasting lewd material in their state.
The grand jury will decide whether the streaming giant should go on trial.
In Cuties a dance group made up of 11-year-olds a learn and practice provocative and sexualized choreography (Image: Netflix)
Cuties directer French-Senegalese Maïmouna Doucouré says that the film, set in a poor suburb of Paris, is inspired by her own experiences, and is a social commentary on the need to protect children.
She told MailOnline: “It’s because I saw so many things and so many issues around me lived by young girls, that I decided to make this film and sound an alarm and say we need to protect our children.”
And Netflix said the film it ‘is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children’ in a statement to NBC News.
Cuties has sparked anger since its September 9 Netflix release, with many accusing it of sexualising young children (Image: NETFLIX/Youtube)
In a statement the broadcaster said: “The charge is without merit and we stand by the film.”
In the film pre-teens engage in risqué choreography, including twerking
Texas Senator Ted Cruz has been leading the campaign against the film and has sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr.
He told Mr Barr the film “sexualises young girls, through dance scenes simulating sexual activities, including one scene exposing a minor’s chest”.
In the film pre-teens engage in risqué choreography, including twerking (Image: NETFLIX)
He explained: “Following Netflix’s disturbing promotion of ‘Cuties,’ I sent a letter calling on the DOJ to investigate whether Netflix, its executives, or the filmmakers violated any federal laws against the production and distribution of child pornography.”
He also encouraged the Department of Justice to investigate the production and distribution of the film including anyone involved.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood, star of Westworld, also hit out at the film.
She said: “Anyone who says this is a conspiracy or this isn’t a child exploitation needs to seriously wake up, none of this was necessary for the story. These are 11-year-old girls… Cuties crossed so many lines… It was shot in a predatory manner without any sense of serious consequences.’
Tweets with the hashtag #CancelNetflix became the top trending topic for several days.
“Unbelievable that they released ‘Cuties’. So child porn is ok now Netflix? Raise your hand if you agree this is disgusting,” wrote Twitter user David Fischer, adding the hashtag #CancelNetflix.
Daily Star Online has contacted Netflix for comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
