Netflix – Egyptian Leader Demands Upcoming Docudrama ‘Queen Cleopatra’ Be Banned Due To The Star Being Mixed Race: ‘She Was Light-Skinned, Not Black”

Netflix – Egyptian Leader Demands Upcoming Docudrama ‘Queen Cleopatra’ Be Banned Due To The Star Being Mixed Race: ‘She Was Light-Skinned, Not Black”

Egypt is reportedly in shambles after Netflix dropped the trailer for their upcoming docu-series “Queen Cleopatra”.

According to reports, some Egyptian’s have condemned the project for “inaccurately” portraying the famed Egyptian queen as a Black woman. The series stars British actress Adele James.

According to reports, academic professionals in Egypt have been denouncing the project, which is executively produced by movie and TV star Jada Pinkett Smith.

They argue that Cleopatra was of European descent and not Black. One lawyer even took it as far as reportedly filing a complaint to have the Netflix original blocked outright, claiming it violates the country’s media laws. Additionally, a prominent Egyptologist reportedly told news outlets:

“This is completely fake. Cleopatra was Greek, meaning that she was light-skinned, not Black,”

Despite arguments, there has reportedly been long debate about the queen’s genealogy. It’s said that while her father was undoubtedly Macedonian-Greek, Cleopatra’s mother’s origins remain unknown. Thus, it’s been widely speculated she could partially be of African descent. When speaking on her decision to cast Adele James in the leading role, Jada Pinkett Smith reportedly stated:

“We don’t often get to see or hear stories about Black queens, and that was really important for me, as well as for my daughter, and just for my community to be able to know those stories because there are tons of them!,”

Following backlash, James took some time to respond to a few online trolls, making it clear her block button is strong. She wrote:

“Just FYI, this kind of behaviour won’t be tolerated on my account. You will be blocked without hesitation!!! If you don’t like the casting don’t watch the show. Or do & engage in (expert) opinion different to yours. Either way, I’M GASSED and will continue to be!”

“Queen Cleopatra” is set to air May 10th.

[VIA]

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments! 

The post Netflix – Egyptian Leader Demands Upcoming Docudrama ‘Queen Cleopatra’ Be Banned Due To The Star Being Mixed Race: ‘She Was Light-Skinned, Not Black” appeared first on theJasmineBRAND.