After Christians fumed over the controversial Netflix movie, Cuties, for its sexualization of young girls, a Texas grand jury out of Tyler County has indicted Netflix on state felony “lewd exhibition” charges. According to the indictment:
“The movie knowingly promote visual material which depicts the lewd exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of a clothed or partially clothed child who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the visual material was created, which appeals to the prurient interest in sex, and has no serious, literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Tyler County District Attorney Lucas Babin said that after watching the movie, he “knew there was probable cause to believe it was criminal.”
“The legislators of this state believe promoting certain lewd material of children has destructive consequences, If such material is distributed on a grand scale, isn’t the need to prosecute more, not less?”
He added: “A grand jury found probable cause for this felony, and my job is to uphold the laws of this State and see that justice is done.”
Netflix immediately defended the film saying “this charge is without merit and we stand by the film”.
Netflix’s response is surprising because on August 20, Netflix withdrew “inappropriate artwork” related to the movie and apologized saying, “It was not OK, nor was it representative of this French film which premiered at Sundance. We’ve now updated the pictures and description.”
Netflix was served with a summons by Texas Rangers on October 1, claimed Tyler County D.A. Lucas Babin today. Naming co-CEOs Hastings and Sarandos.
Netflix has already admitted they did see some subscription cancellations in the wake of Cuties release. However, the rate if cancellations has since slowed.
The movie currently has a 1.4 out of 5 rating based on 16,890 reviews. Various petitions to remove the movie from Netflix have received millions of votes.
Below is the statement released by Tyler County District Attorney’s Office regarding the Cuties Netflix indictment: