EGYPT: Egyptians have voiced their disapproval of Netflix’s new docudrama series “African Queens: Queen Cleopatra,” which depicts the famous Egyptian queen as a black African.
The show, which premiered last week, has ignited a fiery debate over Cleopatra’s race and heritage.
While the casting of British actress Adele James, who is of mixed race, has been lauded as a step forward in promoting diversity, many Egyptians have accused the show of trying to “erase the Egyptian identity” by depicting the queen as black.
The controversy has led to a formal complaint filed by a lawyer accusing the show of violating media laws.
The lawyer has called on the public prosecutor to take “necessary legal measures” and block access to Netflix’s services in Egypt.
Top archaeologist Zahi Hawass spearheads the show’s criticism and insists that Cleopatra was “light-skinned, not black.”
Historians say that Cleopatra’s mother’s identity is unknown and that there is a possibility of her or any other female ancestor being an indigenous Egyptian or from other African places.
Netflix has defended its decision to cast James, calling it a “nod to the centuries-long conversation about the ruler’s race.”
Executive producer and narrator Jada Pinkett Smith has also weighed in on the controversy, saying it is essential to tell stories about black queens.
This incident is not the first time that Cleopatra’s race has been a source of controversy.
Three years earlier, plans for a movie about the queen starring the Israeli actress Gal Gadot sparked a heated debate on social media. Some people insisted that the role should instead go to an Arab or African actress.
Gadot defended the casting decision, saying the team was looking for an actress with Macedonian roots who could fit Cleopatra.
The controversy surrounding “African Queens: Queen Cleopatra” highlights the sensitivity of race and identity in Egypt.
The country has a complex history, with various ethnicities and cultures, including ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs, shaping its identity.
As a result, discussions about race and identity in Egypt are often heated and complex.
The controversy also reflects a broader debate about representation in the media.
While some argue that casting a black actress as Cleopatra is essential to promoting diversity, others say that it erases the historical context of the queen’s life and reinforces harmful stereotypes about black people.
The debate will continue as long as people remain passionate about their identities and the stories that define them.
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