Streaming giant Netflix has shut down its new Turkey-set series If Only due to local outcry over the inclusion of a gay character.
Netflix had planned to shoot the eight-part series on location. The story would have revolved around an unhappily married woman flashing back to the moment her husband proposed. Star Özge Özpirinçci even posted an on-set photo over the weekend.
If Only would have marked the streaming studio’s second production in the nation of Turkey. Now, If Only’s creator Ece Yörenç tells website Altyazi Fasikul “Due to a gay character, permission to film the series was not granted and this is very frightening for the future.”
Related: Turkey orders schools to stop letting kids draw rainbows because it’s a “plot to turn children gay”
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Industry publication Deadline reports that Netflix has yet to release a direct comment on the matter, though speculates that rather than cave to government demands to remove the gay character from the show, the studio decided to abandon the project altogether. “Netflix remains deeply committed to our Turkish members and the creative community in Turkey,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “We are proud of the incredible talent we work with. We currently have several Turkish originals in production — with more to come — and look forward to sharing these stories with our members all around the world.”
Though Turkey is widely regarded as one of the most secular and liberal nations in the Middle East, and though homosexuality is not considered a crime, queer people still face a hostile environment. Same-sex marriage remains illegal, and the military does not allow LGBTQ service members to serve openly. The LGBTQ community also has no protections under employment, housing or adoption laws.
Kit McCollum
If Netflix really wanted to take a stand against homophobia, a more effective smack down would have been not to shut the project down but to film it at another location.
woodroad34
I was thinking the exact same thing…doesn’t sound like Netflix smacked anyone down except for gay people.
KiraNerysRules
So … Netflix caved to the Turkish government. Got it.
CurtisIsTheOne
Ridiculous. “CAVING IN” to Turkey would have been removal of the gay character. Your comment is extremely foolish.
Josh447
Not exactly. Caving would have been removing the gay character and still producing the show, lining Turkey’s pockets with economic gain.
This way Turkey gets the stinging message that they won’t be awarded financially for being homophobic.
@CurtisIsTheOne, it’s tough times for everyone and you seem quite edgy. Maybe a cold shower? Your fangs are showing.
TMBisAOK
@Josh447 I don’t think you actually realize what’s going on in Turkey. To me this seemed like the best choice Netflix could make because there was no way Turkey would have allowed it to continue. And the actors would probably have been in danger then too.
wiredpup
What about the homophobia from the trans and queer community and GLB erasure?
mtmslg
OK, I read this TWICE. Where exactly is NETFLIX taking a big stand against homophobia? No official statement and they stop production? Sounds like they ran away with their tail between their legs. AND Queerty: You may want to read your own headlines before running with a story.
Bob
The big stand was in cancelling the show and not just getting rid of the gay character as I’m sure Turkey wanted.
renzinthewoods
Yes…big stand? A big stand would have been to stop production on ALL projects, not just the ONE with a single gay character. So instead of bowing to pressure and making the gay character disappear…they (bowed to pressure and) made the project disappear instead. Way to spin this one like Trump.
Kangol2
Speaking of Turkey, where’s Kieran? Didn’t he say Don the Con and Richard Grenell etc. were going to be tough on homophobic companies? John Bolton said Don the Con basically kept giving away the store to Erdogan, so you have to wonder, did Don the Con ever tell Turkey to deal with his homophobia and mistreatment of LGBTQ people? I’ll venture a guess: NO.
xanadude
AND rewarding Turkey by still shooting other shows there? Where is the “taking a stand”? If they were taking a stand they would STOP producing anything in Turkey at all.