Netflix has recut the controversial suicide scene in their series '13 Reasons Why'.
The scene takes place in the final episode of season one of '13 Reasons Why', which debuted in March 2017.
Netflix released a statement reading:
"We’ve heard from many young people that ’13 Reasons Why’ encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help—often for the first time. As we prepare to launch season three later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show.
"So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from season one."
Showrunner Brian Yorkey has also released a statement regarding the edit:
"Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in season one was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it. But as we ready to launch season three, we have heard concerns about the scene from Dr. Christine Moutier at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others, and have agreed with Netflix to re-edit it.
"No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers."
Originally the scene in question depicted Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) taking her own life in her bathroom. She cut her wrists with a razor blade before bleeding out in a bathtub. It has now been altered to show Hannah staring in the mirror. Later it cuts to her parents' reaction to her death.
There were calls for the scene to be removed back when the show launched two years ago. Originally Netflix responded by adding a new advisory video in front of the show’s second season episodes.
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