Controversial Netflix film ‘Cuties’ pulled into US election fray
- Republicans use movie to appeal to conservatives while casting Democrats as soft on child abuse
- At heart of backlash is the idea that ‘Cuties’ is irresponsibly sexualising preteen girls
The controversial French film Cuties, accused of sexualising little girls, has been pulled into the US election fray.
Statements by Republican lawmakers and an online campaign have tapped into concern over child sexual molestation, making the film political leverage in the battle to re-elect Republican President Donald Trump.
While the initial reaction to Cuties was to attack Netflix, which launched the film online last week, Republican activists are now charging that the social drama is a by-product of an overly liberal culture – and that it promotes paedophilia.
Republican lawmakers have called for a federal investigation into the film.
Senator Ted Cruz told Attorney General Bill Barr in a letter that the film is “likely” to encourage paedophiles.
“The film routinely fetishises and sexualises these preadolescent girls as they perform dances simulating sexual conduct in revealing clothing,” said Cruz.