Texas vs. Netflix

By Konrad Gonzalez, Staff Reporter

Courtesy of NETFLIX

The recent French film called "Cuties" released on Netflix has sparked controversy and public outcry. The trial Texas vs. Netflix is about the film's scenes featuring underaged girls twerking and more inappropriate acts leading many to believe the movie has an ulterior motive related to promoting pedophilia.

“Cuties” is a coming-of-age story of a girl caught between the confines of culture. The French language film is focused on 11-year-old Amy, who joins a dance group dubbed the “Cuties”. Netflix released Cuties, originally titled “Mignonnes,” in September which led to a multitude of strong reactions across the world.

On Sept. 23, Netflix was indicted by a Tyler County Grand Jury for the promotion and advertisement of lewd content depicting children.

“As a district attorney, I have to sift through countless cases and make calls everyday on how to keep our communities safe. In our county, it is not uncommon for me to confront cases with underage victims,” criminal district attorney Lucas Babin commented. “After hearing about the movie Cuties and watching it, I knew there was probable cause to believe it was criminal under Section 43.262 of the Texas Penal Code.”

Despite these allegations, Netflix has continued to stand by their decision to release the film on their streaming service.

“Cuties' is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children," Netflix said in a statement to USA TODAY. "This charge is without merit and we stand by the film."

Senator Mike Lee from Utah said he was "unsatisfied" with Netflix's response. Many agree with him in Netflix’s short and unapologetic response.

There are many scenes throughout the movie viewers are taking issue with. One of them contains the female characters watching strippers on a phone in order to learn how to dance like them.

These scenes have often left viewers uncomfortable with the content of the film.

“The movie made me feel sick afterwards,” senior Alvaro Macias said. “I had to question myself for even watching it.”

#CancelNetflix began to trend on Twitter as a way of boycotting the streaming service after a scene from the movie went viral. Many users accused Netflix of sexualizing children and promoting pedophilia.

“Cancelling my account. Can't support what @netflixuk are doing with keeping that ‘Cuties’ film up,” Duaine Carma Roberts (@CarmaChords) tweeted. “The clips are vile, like disgusting. I'm not having it.”

Despite the backlash, Netflix continues to stand by their decision to release the film.