Netflix has pulled the production of Turkish original drama If Only after local authorities piled on the pressure to remove a gay character.
If Only was announced back in March and was set to star popular actress Özge Özpirinçci.
However, production company Ay Yapim was refused a filming license because of the inclusion of a gay character and subsequently, Netflix has been forced to shelve the project altogether rather than pander to opposition.
If Only’s creator Ece Yörenç told the Turkish film website Altyazi Fasikul, translated in the Financial Times:
“Due to a gay character, permission to film the series was not granted and this is very frightening for the future.”
A Netflix spokesperson declined to comment on If Only’s axe, but said:
“Netflix remains deeply committed to our Turkish members and the creative community in Turkey. We are proud of the incredible talent we work with.
“We currently have several Turkish originals in production — with more to come — and look forward to sharing these stories with our members all around the world.”
Özpirinçci shared a picture from the If Only set over the weekend, alongside her co-stars, accompanied by a series of heart emoji’s in the colours of the rainbow.
Metro.co.uk
