The Netflix Egypt lawsuit refers to the legal action taken by an Egyptian lawyer against the streaming platform, Netflix, in April 2023. This lawsuit primarily called for the closure of Netflix in Egypt following the release of the trailer for the movie "Queen Cleopatra."
Overview of the Lawsuit
The core of the dispute revolves around the historical depiction of Queen Cleopatra in Netflix's docu-drama. The trailer for "Queen Cleopatra" portrayed the ancient Egyptian queen as a Black woman, which sparked considerable backlash and controversy in Egypt.
Key Points of Contention
- Historical Accuracy: Many Egyptian scholars and public figures argued that Cleopatra, a descendant of Ptolemy I Soter (a Macedonian Greek general), was of Greek lineage and not Black. They asserted that portraying her as Black was a distortion of history and an attempt to appropriate Egyptian heritage.
- Cultural Identity: The depiction was viewed by some as an offense to Egypt's national identity and a deliberate misrepresentation of its historical figures.
- Legal Action's Demand: The lawsuit specifically called for the Public Prosecutor to intervene and order the closure of the Netflix platform within Egypt.
Details of the Legal Action
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | An Egyptian lawyer |
| Defendant | Netflix |
| Legal Authority Addressed | Public Prosecutor |
| Subject of Dispute | Depiction of Queen Cleopatra as a Black woman in the "Queen Cleopatra" trailer |
| Primary Demand | Closure of the Netflix platform in Egypt |
| Date of Filing (Approx.) | April 2023 |
The lawsuit reflects a broader cultural debate regarding historical interpretations and representations, particularly when it comes to figures of global significance like Cleopatra. The legal filing aimed to address what the plaintiff considered a deliberate misrepresentation that offended national sentiments and historical narratives.
For further information on the lawsuit and the surrounding controversy, you can refer to reports such as this one: Egyptian lawyer sues Netflix for depicting Cleopatra as Black woman.
