Netflix Removes Controversial 13 Reasons Why Scene Two Years After Initial Release

By Harry todd  |  July 16, 2019 | 2:49pm
Photo by Beth Dubber/Netflix
TV News 13 Reasons Why
Netflix Removes Controversial 13 Reasons Why Scene Two Years After Initial Release

Content warning: This article discusses graphic depictions of suicide and self-harm.

When its first season debuted in 2017, Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why stoked controversy following the season finale’s graphic depiction of Hannah’s suicide. Early Tuesday morning, Netflix announced that they’ve edited the scene after the advice of medical experts.

In a statement (via THR), Netflix writes:

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 3 later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show. So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the Amerifcan Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers of 13 Reasons Why to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from Season 1.

The edit is already in effect; the original, three-minute-long scene that showed Hannah inflicting fatal wounds with a razor blade in a bathtub has been replaced with a shortened version that eliminates the wounding. Instead, the scene cuts from Hannah looking at her reflection in a mirror moments prior to her parents’ horrified reactions. The decision reportedly has nothing to do with 13 Reasons Why’s third season.

According to THR, Netflix plans to monitor and issue take-downs for any clips of the original scene that may surface online.

13 Reasons Why’s producers previously attempted to navigate the controversy around the show by adding substantial content warnings at the beginning of several episodes a month after its premiere. Immediately after the first season ends on Netflix, the streaming service plays a 30-minute PSA titled Beyond The Reasons that featured interviews with the show’s production staff and doctors as a means to discuss the heavy content of the program.

The third season of 13 Reasons Why is expected later this month. You can revisit our coverage of the show’s past seasons—which discusses the addressed controversy—right here.

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website here.

 
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