By Netflix’s latest documentary series, “Tell Them You Love Me,” has ignited a firestorm of controversy among viewers, with many describing the show as “disgusting” and “too disturbing” to finish. The series, which debuted on the streaming platform in the United States last week, has left audiences shocked and conflicted about its content.
Social media platforms have been flooded with comments from viewers expressing their strong reactions to the documentary. One user stated, “It’s disgusting,” while another shared, “Just watched on Netflix and my jaw dropped the whole time.” The intensity of the content has led some viewers to abandon the series midway, with one commenting, “Too disturbing for me to continue watching it.”
“Tell Them You Love Me” delves into the complex and morally ambiguous relationship between Anna, a white, married university professor, and Derrick, a 28-year-old black man with cerebral palsy who is non-verbal and described as having the mental capacity of a toddler. The documentary explores how their initial academic interaction evolved into a purportedly consensual sexual relationship, leading to legal battles and ethical questions.
The series chronicles Anna’s conviction for sexually assaulting Derrick, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence. However, the story takes another turn when her conviction is later revoked on a technicality. The documentary raises challenging questions about consent, disability rights, and the nature of communication with non-verbal individuals.
The controversial nature of the subject matter has left many viewers grappling with their own beliefs and understanding of the situation. One viewer expressed their uncertainty, stating, “It was such a shocking documentary and honestly I’m still not 100% sure what I believe.”
This is not the first time Netflix has courted controversy with its documentary offerings. The streaming giant has become known for tackling complex and often divisive subjects, pushing the boundaries of what viewers expect from mainstream content providers.
While the series has undoubtedly shocked many, it has also sparked important conversations about disability rights, consent, and the justice system. As viewers continue to process the challenging content of “Tell Them You Love Me,” the documentary serves as a reminder of the power of media to provoke thought and debate on difficult societal issues.
As the discussion surrounding this controversial series continues, it remains to be seen how Netflix will respond to the backlash and whether this will impact their future programming decisions.
