Egypt Sues Netflix For Wrong Cast In “Cleopatra” Documentary
Richmond Setrana
Posted On April 25, 2023
Egyptian lawyer Mahmoud Al-Semary has filed a case with the Public Prosecutor to shut down the Netflix platform in Egypt, following the trailer release of “Queen Cleopatra ”, which is a new documentary depicting the historical figure as a black woman.
“Most of what Netflix’s platform displays does not conform to Islamic and societal values and principles, especially Egyptian ones,” the complaint read, according to Egypt Independent. The trailer, he claimed, contradicts Egyptian history.
Al-Semary believes that the documentary promotes Afrocentrism and inaccurately portrays Cleopatra’s race. “Netflix is trying to provoke confusion by spreading false and deceptive facts that the origin of the Egyptian civilisation is Black,” he said, per the BBC. The show, he continued, will “promote the Afrocentric thinking… which includes slogans and writings aimed at distorting and erasing the Egyptian identity.”
A painting that depicts Cleopatra as a white woman
Who Was Cleopatra?
Cleopatra was one of history’s most famous and intriguing figures. She was a strong and wise queen who oversaw Egypt through a period of significant political and social development. Despite frequently being represented in popular culture as a beguiling temptress, Cleopatra was a wonderful leader who made important achievements for her nation.
Cleopatra, born in 69 BC, belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, which controlled Egypt for three centuries after Alexander the Great’s passing. She spoke multiple languages effortlessly, including Greek, Egyptian, and Latin, enabling her to interact with various people.
At the age of 18, after the death of her father, Cleopatra was crowned queen of Egypt. During her reign, she dealt with several difficulties, including a civil war with her younger brother Ptolemy XIII, who attempted to usurp her from the throne. However, she was an accomplished politician and tactician who, with the aid of the Roman general Julius Caesar, could overcome her brother.
Cleopatra joined forces with Mark Antony, Caesar’s supporter and friend, after his murder in 44 BC. They co-ruled the eastern Mediterranean and had three children together. Because of her charm, intelligence, and beauty, Cleopatra was able to influence significant individuals in the Roman Empire as well as the citizens of Rome.
Despite her great accomplishments, her reputation has been damaged by unfavourable depictions in literature and popular culture. Instead of being the accomplished politician and leader she was, she has been presented as a seductress who took advantage of men’s attraction to her by using her beauty. A recent study, however, has disproved these myths and emphasised Cleopatra’s numerous accomplishments and historical contributions.
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