Netflix Indicted in Texas Over Controversial Show ‘Cuties’

Netflix, Inc. has been indicted by a grand jury in Texas for the controversial film “Cuties,” which the state claims sexualizes young girls.

The grand jury said that Netflix was well aware of the film’s contents but promoted “visual material which depicts the lewd exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of a clothed or partially clothed child” under the age of 18.

Netflix was served with a summons by Texas Rangers on October 1, The co-CEOs Hastings and Sarandos were named, and the charge is considered a State Jail felony.

When the film was released, social media began immediately condemning it for the manner the kids were presented in. The movie’s creator, Maimouna Doucoure, said she created it to shed light on the dangers social media has on young girls who believe they should sexualize themselves to gain attention.

“I received numerous attacks on my character from people who had not seen the film, who thought I was actually making a film that was apologetic about hypersexualiation of children,” Doucouré told Deadline. “I also received numerous death threats.”

A Netflix rep said, “‘Cuties’ is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children. This charge is without merit and we stand by the film.”