Netflix indicted on criminal charges in Texas for ‘promoting lewd visual material’ in its decision to stream controversial French film ‘Cuties’

The Daily Mail rteports :  Netflix has been indicted by a grand jury in Texas for ‘promotion of lewd visual material depicting a child’, after the streaming company refused to take down a controversial French film.

Cuties, directed by French-Senegalese Maïmouna Doucouré, tells the story of Amy, an 11-year-old girl who chafes against her strict Muslim parents and finds solace with a dance troupe.

Inspired by music videos and social media, the girl group learn and practice provocative and sexualized choreography in preparation for a dance competition.

Doucouré says that the film, set in a poor suburb of Paris, is inspired by her own experiences, and is a social commentary on the need to protect children.

‘It’s because I saw so many things and so many issues around me lived by young girls, that I decided to make this film and sound an alarm and say we need to protect our children,’ Doucouré explained.

On September 23 a grand jury in Texas indicted the California-based streaming company, accusing them of broadcasting lewd material in their state.

 Netflix said Cuties ‘is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children’ in a statement to NBC News. ‘The charge is without merit and we stand by the film.’

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has been leading the campaign against the film.

Cruz sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr, saying the film ‘sexualizes young girls, through dance scenes simulating sexual activities, including one scene exposing a minor’s chest.’

He explained on social media: ‘Following Netflix’s disturbing promotion of ‘Cuties,’ I sent a letter calling on the DOJ to investigate whether Netflix, its executives, or the filmmakers violated any federal laws against the production and distribution of child pornography.’

Cruz urged the Department of Justice to investigate the production and distribution of the film, including anyone involved.

Democrat Tulsi Gabbard found rare common ground with Cruz, agreeing that the film was unacceptable and accusing Netflix of being complicit in encouraging pedophilia and child trafficking.

‘Netflix child porn ‘Cuties’ will certainly whet the appetite of pedophiles & help fuel the child sex trafficking trade. 1 in 4 victims of trafficking are children. It happened to my friend’s 13 year old daughter. Netflix, you are now complicit. #CancelNetflix,’ Gabbard wrote.