Netflix Removes Controversial Footage From Bird Box

Despite originally refusing to remove controversial footage included in its horror hit Bird Box, Netflix has now changed its mind and people can rest easy now that Netflix removes controversial footage from Bird Box on future viewings.

The film stars Sandra Bullock as a single mother living in a post-apocalyptic world where monsters convince humans to commit suicide if they catch sight of them. The Canadian Press confirms that the streamer will remove from Bird Box footage of the real-life Lac-Mégantic rail disaster that took place in 2013.

An unnamed spokesperson for the streaming giant released an email statement to the outlet that reads:

"Netflix and the filmmakers of Bird Box have decided to replace the clip. We're sorry for any pain caused to the Lac-Mégantic community."

For those unaware, the initial cut of Bird Box includes footage from a train crash that happened on July 6, 2013 in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, Canada. That day, a freight train loaded with crude oil derailed from the tracks and crashed. Several of the train's cars exploded and then caught fire. The accident left 47 people dead, a large portion of Lac-Mégantic's downtown buildings completely destroyed, and most of the city's downtown area ruined and in need of rebuilding.

Clips of the train tragedy appear within the first few minutes of Bird Box, during the scene in which Malorie and her sister Jessica are watching the news on television. They see massive explosions and total devastation wracking a town - footage meant in the film to indicate that the world is experiencing a mass epidemic of unexplained violence.

Netflix reportedly obtained the clips from stock footage company Pond5, where individuals can purchase images and clips, including those from newscasts that depict sensitive events.

When Netflix was made aware of the situation as it relates to Bird Box, however, the streamer refused to remove the footage at first. A spokesperson indicated that Netflix would keep the clip in the movie, and would be, quote, "looking at ways to do things differently moving forward."

Many were outraged at Netflix's original decision, none more than Lac-Mégantic Mayor Julie Morin and Quebec Culture Minister Nathalie Roy. Morin wrote that the use of the footage and subsequent refusal to take it out of Bird Box after knowing all the facts showed a complete lack of respect for the people of Lac-Mégantic and those affected by the 2013 disaster. She said:

"It's hard enough for our citizens to see these images when they are used normally and respectfully on the news. Just imagine, to have them used as fiction, as if they were invented."

Roy singled out Netflix CEO Reed Hastings for criticism, writing that Netflix was exhibiting a, quote, "lack of compassion, empathy, and solidarity" in its decision. She also stated that the Quebec government found it unbelievable that Netflix wouldn't remove the clips from Bird Box or think that it was okay to implement them in the first place.

Now that Netflix has reversed its choice - having already updated the film as of the making of this video - Morin is satisfied and willing to look past the streamer's initial refusal.

Morin further noted that the entertainment industry needs to "reflect on this" and other situations like this to hopefully create a new standard for the use of stock footage in films and television series.

#BirdBox #BirdBoxControversy #BirdBoxFootage