Insatiable creator defends Netflix drama: 'Fat-shaming is embedded in the DNA of the show'
Netflix has finally responded to backlash against the trailer for its newest series Insatiable, which was accused by activists of "fat-shaming".
The trailer sparked a petition to have the show cancelled which has amassed more than 200,000 signatures.
Netflix's Vice President of original content Cindy Holland addressed concerns about the new series at the 2018 Television Critics Association, as reported by IndieWire. Contrary to popular belief she said, “criticism [of fat-shaming] is embedded within the show itself.”
The Netflix executive also told critics that the show’s creator, Lauren Gussis, “felt very strongly about exploring those issues, based on her experience, in an over-the-top satirical way," and that ultimately her show tells viewers: “[be] comfortable with yourself.”
The series' trailer depicts the show's star, Debby Ryan, in a fatsuit ostracised by her classmates and labelled "fatty patty".
The story takes a sharp change in direction, however, when Patty is punched in the face and has her jaw wired shut. The character goes on to lose a substantial amount of weight over the summer holidays and on her return to school is fawned over and deemed “hot” by her peers.
It is unclear whether Holland's comments will change the opinions of the show's vehement opposition. The series is currently under embargo but tweets from critics who have seen the show seem to suggest many are still sceptical.
Netflix is really counting on the fact that everyone's reservations about INSATIABLE will be eased once they actually see it.
I am embargoed from commenting on how likely I think that is. #TCA18— Linda Holmes (@lindaholmes) July 29, 2018
Stars of the show have come forward in their droves to defend the message of the series, including its star Ryan, who, in an impassioned essay shared to Twitter, said:
"We’re out to turn a sharp eye on broken, harmful systems that equate thinness with worth...we're not in the business of fat-shaming."
She urged critics to "wait and watch the show before passing judgment”.
Alyssa Miller, former star of the hit series Charmed, also has a role in the forthcoming series and told her Twitter followers that they were not "fat shaming" Patty, but instead: “addressing (through comedy) the damage that occurs from fat shaming.”
