Netflix faces mounting pressure from its own stars as Never Have I Ever actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan publicly condemns the streaming giant's controversial new movie title 'The Princess of Twits'.
The Canadian actress, who rose to fame playing Devi Vishwakumar in the hit Netflix series, took to social media to express her dismay at what she called a 'problematic' choice that could have serious real-world consequences for young people.
Growing Backlash From Within Netflix's Ranks
Ramakrishnan isn't alone in her criticism. The film title has sparked outrage across social media platforms, with many viewers and industry professionals questioning Netflix's judgment in using language that could be seen as promoting bullying behaviour.
'Twits', a British English term historically used to describe foolish or annoying people, carries modern connotations that many argue normalise insulting language towards others.
Why This Title Crosses The Line
In her powerful statement, Ramakrishnan highlighted how such terminology can contribute to harmful environments for young viewers. The actress, known for her role navigating high school complexities, emphasised the importance of responsible media representation.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for streaming services, as platforms face increasing scrutiny over their content decisions and social responsibility.
Netflix's Response And Industry Reaction
While Netflix has yet to issue an official statement regarding Ramakrishnan's comments, industry insiders suggest the streaming service may need to reconsider the title ahead of the film's release.
This isn't the first time Netflix has faced title controversies, but having one of their own established stars speak out adds significant weight to the criticism.
The situation highlights the growing trend of actors using their platforms to hold production companies accountable for content decisions that may have negative social impacts.