Is Netflix Hiding Something?

Netflix announced the upcoming premiere of a new series this Wednesday, uploading the trailer on all of its platforms. The show, called Grand Army, is set to be a teen drama following five high school students from Brooklyn as they navigate social, political, and personal issues. But is Netflix doing it right?

Immediate reactions to the trailer had people excited over the diverse cast and powerful message of “Together we Rise. Together we Rage.” 

Cast members from the limited series were vocal in their own promotional posts about how proud they were to be part of a show that will “shift the culture.” (per @AlphonsoRomero_ on Instagram.)

Actress Odley Jean called it a protest, and actor Brian Altemus praised writer and producer, Katie Cappiello, for the world she created within the show. Find those posts here and here.

But soon after the news of the show dropped, it was discovered on Twitter that the writers, and Netflix itself, may not have gone about the production in the right way.

Screenwriter Ming Peiffer posted this thread of tweets describing her experience from working on the show. She explained that she and two other writers of color quit their positions due to racist exploitation and abuse. Peiffer further expressed her frustration at particular ironies to be found when comparing Netflix’s attitude toward the project and her experience on it.

Allegations of these racist behaviors and Netflix’s knowledge of them have many who were previously interested in the series reeling in their excitement and speaking out against the service’s negligence. People have been submitting their feelings and expressing their opinions across platforms so that showrunner Katie Cappiello, as well as Netflix, might offer some kind of explanation.

Others are thinking of the actors who took part, holding their performances in regard before writing off the whole project as something to avoid.

While we hope to learn more from those responsible, about the truth of what occurred, at the time this article was published no official statement regarding the mistreatment has been released.