Netflix responds to 'Insatiable' fat-shaming criticism
Netflix has finally responded to the criticism following their upcoming comedy-drama series Insatiable.
The series, starring Debby Ryan and Alyssa Milano, received extensive backlash after the trailer appeared to condone ‘fat-shaming.’
An online petition calling to axe the show has so far received more than 204,000 signatures.
However, Netflix Original Series Vice President Cindy Holland, urges viewers to watch the series prior to casting judgement.
Speaking at the 2018 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, Holland said: “Lauren Goose, who is the creator, felt very strongly about exploring these issues based on her own experiences, but in a satirical, over-the-top way.
Ultimately, the message of the show is that what is most important is that you feel comfortable in your own self. Fat-shaming itself, that criticism, is embedded in the DNA of the show.”
Indeed, Goose Tweeted on July 20, the day after the controversial Insatiable trailer dropped, the meaning and inspiration behind the show:
This is my truth. @insatiable_ pic.twitter.com/xbs3YtueCQ
— Lauren Gussis (@GussisLauren) July 21, 2018
Holland went on to say she’s taken note of the initial Insatiable criticism: “Over the last few days I’ve seen how many voices are protective and fiercely outspoken about the themes that come to play in this story.
I was drawn to this show’s willingness to go to real places about how difficult and scary it can be to move through a world in a body, whether you’re being praised or criticised for its size, and what it feels like to pray to be ignored because it’s easier than being seen. ‘I hope fans will wait and watch the show before passing judgment.”
What is Netflix Insatiable about?
Insatiable follows the story of American high schooler Patty, nicknamed ‘Fatty Patty’ by her cruel schoolmates. Bullied for being overweight, she undergoes a physical transformation after she’s mugged and forced to have her jaw wired shut over the summer holidays.
When Patty arrives back at school slim, she is deemed ‘hot’ by her peers and finally accepted. But instead of revelling in her newfound popularity, Patty sets out to exact revenge on all those that wronged her during her heavier days.
Almost immediately after the show’s official trailer for dropped on July 19, widespread criticism emerged across social media for the show’s apparent ‘fat-shaming.’
Hey @netflix, since it looks like you forgot how to make content like decent human beings, here's a list of Bad Ideas.
-thin actresses in fat suits
-character losing weight so people like/are attracted to them
-the above working
-making fatphobic crap at all. #Insatiable— Quabity Assuance (@adamdriveme) July 20, 2018
it’s hilarious to me how it’s mostly thin ppl who are trying to say that #insatiable is okay bc it’s satire. a thin actress is still in a fat suit. thin ppl have absolutely no say in fat issues, our lives arent shitty stories for them to tell. that’s all there is to it.
— beth 🐻 (@goldenursa) July 20, 2018
We know what kind of stories thin people and former fatties write about us.
It's not own voice if you hate your voice.
No more fat suits, thin people
You're done.
It's over.This is continue to happen until you get it. #INSATIABLE
— Mean Fat Girl 🏳️🌈💄 (@Artists_Ali) July 29, 2018
Insatiable will be available to stream on Netflix from August 10.
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