California-based media and tech service provider Netflix has delayed the release of French film “Cuties” in Turkey after the Turkish media watchdog (RTUK) ordered the movie to be scrapped because it might lead to potential child exploitation, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports.
“We are considering RTUK’s demand – and in the meantime have delayed the launch of Cuties in Turkey,” a Netflix spokesperson said.
The decision came one week after RTUK ruled that the film contained exploitation and abuse and “might lead to potential child exploitation behavior patterns emerging”.
Cuties, to debut on September 9, stars an 11-year-old Muslim girl who “starts to rebel against her conservative family’s traditions when she becomes fascinated with a free-spirited dance crew”, Netflix notes.
This is the second time the US-based company is facing criticism in Turkey. It denied in July rumors it was leaving Turkey after coming under attack by some Turkish viewers for the release of “Love 101,” a Turkish TV series that was expected to include a gay character among the main roles.
RTUK had ordered the streaming giant to remove the character.
