Netflix has altered its graphic 13 Reasons Why suicide scene, over two years after the episode aired on the streaming service.
The nearly three-minute-long scene was met with controversy for its graphic depiction of main character Hannah taking her own life.
The new scene, which is in the process of being changed on the Netflix site, no longer depicts Hannah’s suicide but instead cuts directly to her parents’ reaction.
“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,” Netflix said in a statement.
They continued, “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.”
Brian added, “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… 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.”
