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https://infosurhoy.com/top-stories/netflix-faces-backlash-over-new-anti-islamic-show-messiah/?utm_source=wnd&utm_medium=wnd&utm_campaign=syndic ated
Netflix faces backlash over new ‘anti-Islamic’ show Messiah 0
BY DENIS BEDOYA ON DECEMBER 28, 2019TOP STORIES
Netflix is facing a backlash over its controversial new show ‘Messiah’ which portrays a possible saviour as a prophet who leads 2,000 Palestinians into Israel.
More than 3,500 people have already signed a petition which condemns the series as ‘evil and anti-Islamic propaganda’.
The series, which is due for release on January 1, imagines how modern society would react if a Messiah figure appeared today, spreading his message via social media.
Creator Michael Petroni says Netflix was ‘nervous’ when he approached them, but insisted he was ‘super careful’ in portraying the story.
He said: ‘Yes it’s provocative – the show is provocative. But provocative isn’t offensive.’
Petroni insists the show ‘doesn’t set out to offend anyone.’
‘It’s not like I’m welcoming backlash,’ he added. ‘We expect that there’s going to be a lot of noise around the show, and a lot of debate. I’m hoping for debate.’
A Change.org petition has already been launched calling for a boycott of the show, describing it as ‘evil and anti-Islamic propaganda.’
It reads: ‘This topic is rather sensitive and making a production like this will only have viewers forgetting the fact that this matter is not a joke.’
The new Netflix series follows a ‘Messiah’ figure called Al Massih ad-Dajjal, played by the Belgian actor Mehdi Dehbi.
It is not clear what faith the enigmatic later subscribes to and whether he is a geniune savour or a con artist.
Referred to by some characters as ‘Al-Masih’, he plans to march 2,000 Palestinian Syrians across the border of Israel.
With his movement gathering global attention and momentum, CIA officer Eva Geller, played by American actress Michelle Monaghan, is sent to investigate.
The TV show has multiple narrators, including Officer Geller, an Israeli Shin Bet officer, a Palestinian refugee, a Latino preacher and his Texan daughter.
Muslim viewers on Twitter have slammed the show for its predictability and inauthentic representation of Islam.