Hamza Abbasi says he will cancel Netflix subscription if ‘Cutie’ is released

A recent poster released by Netflix to promote the French-Senegalese film Cuties (Mignonnes) sparked mass outrage, with thousands accusing the online streaming platform of sexualising young girls and some even demanding a ban on the award-winning film.

Responding to the criticism, Netflix has issued an apology and announced that it was taking down the controversial art work, which featured young girls wearing “skimpy outfits” and posing in “provocative” ways. However, the site has decided against scrapping the film, which is set to release online on September 9.

We're deeply sorry for the inappropriate artwork that we used for Mignonnes/Cuties. It was not OK, nor was it representative of this French film which won an award at Sundance. We’ve now updated the pictures and description.

— Netflix (@netflix) August 20, 2020

Popular Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi has also spoken up against it on Twitter. "It's horrifying to see a show in the mainstream blatantly sexualising 11-year-old kids. If this show is still there by the next month, I am cancelling my Netflix subscription and so should you," said the Alif actor.

He then went on to share the petition many were sharing earlier on and called for the cancellation of the show. "Cancel Cuties on Netflix! - Sign the Petition!" he added.

A user then responded to his tweet saying, "Already cancelled. This normalisation of sexualising children needs to stop and those pushing it need to be challenged. Authorities should investigate this as a matter of urgency."

To this Abbasi said, "Not cancelled. Netflix only apologized for the poster and changed it."

Its horrifying to see a show in the mainstream blatantly sexualising 11 yr old kids. If this show is still there by next month..i am canceling my Netflix subscription and so should you.

Netflix: Cancel CUTIES on Netflix! - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/sk5eYbYRCX via @Change

— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) August 31, 2020