Netflix has apparently been forced to disable comments on the new 'Queen Cleopara' trailer after massive backlash online.
This documentary series will tell the story of the last pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra, who fights to protect her throne, her family and her legacy.
The series will feature a series of interviews with experts who will share completely new perspectives on the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Starring the likes of Adele James, Craig Russell and Jada Pinkett Smith, Netflix informs audiences that the doc will explore "the lives of prominent and iconic African queens."
"This season will feature Cleopatra, the most famous, most powerful and misunderstood woman in the world," reads the description of "Queen Cleopatra".
Calling the historical figure a "courageous queen", the platform points out that "her beauty and romances overshadowed the most important asset she had: her intellect.
"Cleopatra's legacy has been the subject of much academic debate, which has often been ignored by Hollywood. These series will re-evaluate this fascinating part of its history.”
And that seems to be exactly where the controversy lies.
The trailer, first released last week (April 12), already has more than 1.9 million views on YouTube.
Në skenat e rishfaqjes, autorët kanë vendosur ta përshkruajnë mbretëreshë Kleopatrën si një grua me ngjyrë, gjë që ka bërë që shumë njerëz në mediat sociale të kritikojnë Netflix për shndërrimin e kësaj figure historike.
Kleopatra, bazuar në histori, ka një origjine greko-maqedonave. Të dhënat e zakonshme historike tregojnë se familja e saj greke maqedonase, dinastia Ptolemaike, kishte sunduar mbi Mbretërinë Ptolemaike të Egjiptit për më shumë se tre shekuj.
"Pavarësisht se nuk ishte etnikisht egjiptiane," konfirmon History.com, "Kleopatra përqafoi shumë nga zakonet e lashta të vendit të saj dhe ishte anëtarja e parë e linjës Ptolemaike që mësoi gjuhën egjiptiane."
Traileri ka shkaktuar një stuhi në internet dhe madje ka rezultuar në një peticion të Change.org që kërkon anulimin e dokumentarit sepse “po falsifikohet historia”.
Over 85,000 people from around the world signed the online petition in just two days, however, it has since been removed from the platform.
It said:
"Cleopatra was born in Alexandria, Egypt into the Ptolemaic dynasty of Greek origin. She was NOT black. This is in no way against black people, it's just a wake-up call to preserve the history and integrity of the Egyptians and Greeks."
The reaction did not stop there. Even on Twitter, people criticized the same.
“Netflix and Jada Pinkett Smith (producer) are promoting a documentary about Queen Cleopatra, all wrong. She was Greek."
"Queen Cleopatra" will be released on May 10 on Netflix.
