Netflix has apologized after its promotional material for a French-language film sparked accusations that it was sexuality young girls.
The
award-winning "Cuties" ("Mignonnes") follows black
11-year-old Amy as she grows up in a working-class area of Paris, defies her
family and becomes aware of her burgeoning sexuality
The
poster promoting the film in France shows four brightly dressed girls throwing
confetti as they walk up a street.
However,
in the United States and internationally Netflix chose an image showing the
four young stars posing in tight costumes baring their legs and midriffs.
"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," Netflix said on Twitter late Thursday."We´ve now
updated the pictures and description."
Tens
of thousands signed a petition demanding the removal of the film from the
platform, where it is due to be streamed from September 9, describing the film
as "disgusting" and "for the viewing pleasure of
paedophiles."
But
social media users focused on the Netflix artwork, helping to redirect the
storm towards the hugely popular streaming platform.
Directed
by French-Senegalese woman Maimouna Doucoure, the film premiered at Sundance
Film Festival in the US and at the Berlin festival, winning awards at both.
