MANILA, Philippines – Netflix on Tuesday announced it will edit the controversial, graphic suicide scene in the first season of the teen drama “13 Reasons Why.”
Netflix, in a statement, said that the show’s producers and creator Brian Yorkey decided to edit the scene where Hannah Baker (played by Katherine Langford) took her own life, as advised by medical experts.
One of the experts included American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Moutier.
“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,” Netflix said.
An update on 13 Reasons Why
If you or someone you know needs help finding crisis resources please visit https://t.co/cNtjtuNG1p pic.twitter.com/SxGjbYpZF6
— Netflix US (@netflix) July 16, 2019
“As we prepare to launch Season 3 later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show.”
The particular scene from the teen drama sparked criticism on teen suicide depiction.
READ: ‘13 Reasons Why’ sparks criticism of teen suicide depiction
It was also reported that there was a spike in the number of American children committing suicide after the show’s release.
READ: Kids’ suicides spiked after Netflix’s ’13 Reasons Why’
“13 Reasons Why” premiered on Netflix on March 2017, and is set to have its season three premiere this year. /gsg
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