Netflix cuts controversial 13 Reasons Why suicide scene

Netflix has cut 13 Reasons Why‘s controversial suicide scene.

The scene, which took place in the final episode of season one, originally depicted Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) taking her own life.

The scene has been a subject of controversy and debate since its first season, with Netflix initially defending the content. In 2018, Netflix chief Reed Hastings responded to concerns with “it is controversial, but nobody has to watch it”.

However, after consulting with experts and ahead of the launch of season three, Netflix has decided to remove the graphic scene entirely.

In a statement, Netflix said: “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.

“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.”

Yorkey explained: “It was our hope, in making 13 Reasons Why into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us.

“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.

“No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. 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.”

The newly edited episode now omits the original scene, instead cutting to her parents’ reaction to Hannah’s death.