Attorneys for Netflix filed a complaint in federal court arguing that prosecution accusing them of spreading child pornography over their film "Cuties" would be a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech.
An online campaign called on viewers to cancel their membership in the video streaming service after they released the movie in 2020. Creators of the movie say it is a criticism of the sexualization of children, but many thought the movie itself contained offensive depictions of children being overtly sexualized.
In Oct. 2020, a grand jury indicted the company for the sexualized images of children under the age of 18.
In the filing on Thursday, the company argued that charges against the company would be unconstitutional.
"Netflix brings this complaint to enjoin Tyler County District Attorney Lucas Babin from abusing his office and infringing Netflix, Inc.’s constitutional rights," the company said.
"This one prosecutor — out of all the prosecutors in America — has indicted Netflix not just once but five times," the complaint continued. "Each indictment violates the United States Constitution and comes in retaliation against Netflix’s exercising its First Amendment rights to free speech and to petition the government for redress."
A petition calling on people to cancel their memberships garnered more than 660k signatures.
The company argued in its filing that it would suffer "irreparable harm" if it were forced to defend itself in state court against the "baseless" charges.
"The court has jurisdiction over this case and should grant Netflix the preliminary and permanent injunctive relief Netflix needs to vindicate its rights," the complaint concluded.
Here's more about the Cuties controversy:
Netflix film 'Cuties' shows left's push to normalize childhood sexuality | 'It's ALL Coordinated'www.youtube.com
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