Turkey's media authority asks Netflix to block 'Cuties' film

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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has asked Netflix to remove the "Cuties" (Mignonnes) film, stating that it contains images of child abuse.

The film tells the story of an 11-year-old Muslim girl who "becomes fascinated with a twerking dance crew" and "starts to explore her femininity, defying her family's traditions," according to Netflix's description.

While the film won the Directing Award at the Sundance Festival, it has also faced criticism for "sexualizing children."

Netflix particularly came under fire for using a "sexy" poster for the film. It later apologized and changed the poster, as well as deleting the description above.

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

The RTÜK, in its first review of a movie on an on-demand platform after being authorized to supervise internet broadcasts last year, discussed an expert report on the movie, which stressed that "it targets an audience above 18" while being about an 11-year-old child.

The report also stated that the film featured children living an "adult life" and "images of abuse," which might cause "potential child abuse behavior patterns."

After the review, the RTÜK unanimously concluded that the movie violated a provision in paragraph 1 of Article 8 of Law No. 6112, which reads, "Broadcast services ... cannot include abuse against children, the weak and the elderly and cannot encourage violence."

The Council might temporarily suspend Netflix's license if it fails to abide by the decision.

The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services had applied to the RTÜK, requesting the removal of the film.

"We will always continue our fight against the commoditization of our children in any environment and making them vulnerable to neglect and abuse," it had stated. (HA/VK)