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Netflix Removes Suicide Scene From 13 Reasons Why

Netflix Removes Suicide Scene From 13 Reasons Why

The streaming giant said it had taken 'the advice of medical experts' over the controversial scene

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Netflix has removed the suicide scene from season one of 13 Reasons Why.

The popular Netflix show, which was released in March 2017, centres on 17-year-old Hannah Baker (played by Katherine Langford), who takes her own life, but leaves behind 13 cassette tapes explaining her reasons, which her school friend Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) listens to as he struggles to come to terms with her sudden death.

In the finale of season one, a controversial three-minute scene was included showing Hannah's suicide, but now following the 'advice of medical experts' Netflix has said it will be taking it out.

Netflix has removed a controversial three-minute scene showing the suicide of one character.
Netflix

The scene sparked debate when it was first released with some critics accusing it of 'glamourising' suicide and mental health organisations warning that younger people watching the series could 'over-identify' with the show's star Hannah.

However, the show's creators defended the decision to include it, with writer Nic Sheff sharing an open letter with Vanity Fair, which read: "When it came time to discuss the portrayal of the protagonist's suicide in 13 Reasons Why, I of course immediately flashed on my own experience.

"It seemed to me the perfect opportunity to show what an actual suicide really looks like - to dispel the myth of the quiet drifting off, and to make viewers face the reality of what happens when you jump from a burning building into something much, much worse."

Now, ahead of the third season, Netflix has announced it will be revising the finale and removing the scene.

In a statement, the streaming-giant 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.

The third season of 13 Reasons Why is released in October this year.
Netflix

"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."

The scene has already been removed from Netflix.

The third season of 13 Reasons Why is released in October this year.

Featured Image Credit: Netflix

Topics: TV and Film, Mental Health, Netflix