WTAF: ’13 Reasons Why’ Has Come Under Fire (Again) For Gross Insensitive Tweet
Teen TV phenomenon 13 Reasons Why is doing very little to help its reputation on social media.
The Netflix original series has been plagued by controversy from the minute it hit the streaming platform. With a fair chunk of criticism directed at the relaxed sensitivities surrounding the subject matter of teen bullying and suicide, all without the necessary trigger warnings in place.
But now the series has deep-dived back into a sea of controversy. This week they posted a gross flashback to the series’ most toxic relationship: Justin and Jessica.
The show’s Twitter page thought it suitable to post the following tweet (which has since been deleted):
Via Screenshot
Ummm…what?! For those familiar with the series, the glorifying of the relationship between Jessica and Justin, of all people, is just wrong.
Fans that watched the series (potential spoilers ahead) will know that Justin was complicit in the rape of his girlfriend Jessica by his best friend Bryce. Justin didn’t report the crime to police and he stayed friends with Bryce after the sexual assault occurred. So to put the relationship of Justin and Jessica as something for teens to aspire towards, is potentially damaging to say the least.
The Twitter post left many fans not impressed, which likely led to the image being later deleted.
Here’s what people are saying on Twitter:
stop ???? glorifying ???? unhealthy ???? relationships
— || sky || (@anihilisticmess) July 17, 2017
he let his friend rape her and lied to her face about it and y'all be romanticizing their unhealthy relationship?? i think the fuck not https://t.co/yEMN7Pl0Wf
— jonah (@heIIojojo) July 18, 2017
Yes!! Let's all celebrate someone who lets his girlfriend get raped because his rapist friends parents bought him shoes,… ????????
— THE GERMAN CLUSTER (@GermanCluster) July 18, 2017
WTF THAT IS A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP AND YOU ARE PROMOTING IT? pic.twitter.com/jngF5QaCIJ
— la malena LOS ABRACÉ (@laliftlodovica) July 18, 2017
I love the series, but wtf with this? You encouraging this couple? Remember he let Bryce rape only bc they were mates? Wtf is wrong with you
— ⚡ Little One. (@Naomii_Rawwr) July 15, 2017
If you or someone you know needs support, both Lifeline on 13 11 14 and the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 offer 24-hour assistance. For further information about youth mental health, both Headspace and Reach Out can provide guidance.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. Or you can also talk to a medical professional or someone you trust.