Cleopatra was not black: Egyptian public criticise Netflix for misrepresenting history.
Netflix's upcoming documentary "Queen Cleopatra" which is expected to be launched this Wednesday, May 10, is receiving criticism before it begins. Outrages are growing lowder as the docuseries' official trailer portrays the Queen Cleopatra as a "black woman". In the docuseries, produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, Cleopatra is portrayed as a dark-skinned woman in scenes performed by the actor Adele James, who previously starred in Casualty.
Sensitive debate emerged among historians, raising questions regarding the race of the queen and the controversy around it. Many people and historians expressed their unrest about the case on social media this week, the hot topic has become a global discussion. The case has become an important headline in Egypt, as the Egyptian public are accusing Netflix for misrepresenting and falsifying their country's history. As a response to the case, Egypt‘s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued a statement regarding the casting, stating that Cleopatra had “white skin and Hellenistic characteristics."
Not only that, but critics have published a petition demanding the banning of the docuseries from Netflx, the petition has been signed by over 9,000 people. The release of the docuseries has brought up discussions regarding the popular thought of Afrocentrisim, the Egyptian public claim that their history is being "stolen". Such disapprovals arrised as a response to Netflix's official statement that indicates "The new Netflix documentary series aims to explore the lives of iconic African Queens."
The popular Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass stated that "Cleopatra was not black, and she had Greek ancestry." Hawass indicated that Cleopatra looked like Macedonian princesses and queens, falsifying the claim that cleopatra was black. Hawass clarified that he is not against blacks at all, but he clarifies that it is his duty to as an Egyptologist to authenticate facts.
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