‘13 Reasons Why’ Controversy: Twitter Reacts To Netflix Editing Suicide Scene

Netflix made major waves on Monday night when they announced that the controversial suicide scene from “13 Reasons Why” Season 1 would be edited down significantly. After the graphic scene generated major controversy two years ago, the streaming platform has made the call to all but completely remove the scene ahead of the release of Season 3 later in the Summer.

“As we prepare to launch season three later this summer,” Netflix said in a statement. “We’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show. So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from Season 1.”

In light of this change, conversations on social media have cropped up in droves, with many debating whether or not this change was for the better. In many ways, these debates reflect those that raged about the merits of the scene itself back in 2017.

Interesting (if much-belated) turn of events. While this may be partly a cash grab in the lead-up to Season 3's airing, it's nonetheless impactful—we need to confront the reality that irresponsible depictions of suicide have real-world impact

(CW: synopsis of relevant scene) https://t.co/R99jrp9EOr
— Adolfo Aranjuez (@adolfo_ae) July 16, 2019

Bad call. It needs to be graphic because suicide isn't glamorous or an easy way out. Be authentic. Parents should use it as a tool for conversation. Get to know your kid. Keep the lines of communication open. "Experts" are still just people with opinions. https://t.co/wFOBCX5t3d
— Cheri Levesque (@CheriLevesque) July 16, 2019

While some have defended the scene as a frank depiction of teen suicide and a means for starting conversation, many still accused it and the series overall of glamorizing the act, thereby putting vulnerable young viewers at risk.

The move to edit down the scene has been met with praise from numerous medical professionals, prompting a joint statement from a number of organizations, including The Trevor Project, the American Association of Suicidology, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American School Counselor Association, Mental Health America, Cedars-Sinai’s Dr. Rebecca Hedrick and Stanford’s Dr. Helen Hsu.

“We support the decision to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from ‘13 Reasons Why,’” the statement said. “There has been much debate about the series in the medical community. But this positive change will ensure that ’13 Reasons Why’ continues to encourage open conversation about mental health and suicide prevention – while also mitigating the risk for the most vulnerable teenage viewers.”