'13 Reasons Why' No Longer Has A Graphic Suicide Scene - NPR

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A scene in the show 13 Reasons Why that had shown actress Katherine Langford's character taking her own life has been edited out. Richard Shotwell/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP hide caption

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Richard Shotwell/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Two years after it released the first season of the show 13 Reasons Why with a graphic suicide scene, Netflix has announced that it has edited it out.

The show is centered around the suicide of fictional teen Hannah Baker, and the first season's finale shows her taking her own life. Several organizations, including the National Association of School Psychologists, raised concerns that it could serve to romanticize suicide for vulnerable teens.

"Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in Season 1 was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it," show creator Brian Yorkey said in a statement. "But as we ready to launch Season 3, we have heard concerns about the scene from Dr. Christine Moutier at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others, and have agreed with Netflix to re-edit it."

"No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other," he added. "We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers."

After some initial criticism, Netflix added a warning card to the beginning of the episode, alerting viewers that the episode contained "graphic depictions of suicide and violence."

The show also has a website, 13reasonswhy.info, containing resources about suicide prevention. It contains videos of cast members discussing topics such as bullying, consent, depression, and how to talk with a teen about the series. The site also warns: "If you are struggling, this series may not be right for you or you may want to watch it with a trusted adult."

The edited version, now on Netflix, shows Hannah looking at herself in the mirror, full of emotion. It then cuts to her parents finding her body in the bathroom and reacting to her death. The previous version was nearly three minutes long, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and shows her cutting her wrists with a razor blade.

Netflix's decision has drawn praise from a number of suicide prevention advocates, such as American Association of Suicidology, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American School Counselor Association, Dr. Helen Hsu from Stanford, advocacy group Mental Health America, the Trevor Project and Dr. Rebecca Hedrick from Cedars-Sinai, according to THR.

"We support the decision to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from 13 Reasons Why. There has been much debate about the series in the medical community," they said in a joint statement, as THR reported. "But this positive change will ensure that 13 Reasons Why continues to encourage open conversation about mental health and suicide prevention — while also mitigating the risk for the most vulnerable teenage viewers."

Ron Avi Astor at the University of Southern California, who studies adolescent bullying and mental health, discussed with NPR's Anya Kamenetz how the images of self-harm on the show could impact teens.

Avi Astor told Kamenetz that the depiction could be contagious – but just for certain teens. "It's not just that any random kid would see it and do it," he said, but for a kid who was already thinking about suicide, it had the potential to influence their behavior.

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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https://www.npr.org/2019/07/16/742099576/netflix-cuts-controversial-suicide-scene-from-13-reasons-why

2019-07-16 10:32:00Z
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Meek Mill Shares Parole Restrictions & Not Being Able To Pick Up Son From School - HotNewHipHop

Prison and criminal justice reform advocate Meek Mill isn't just a thumb-thugging social justice warrior for social media. His journey began back in 2008 when Meek was arrested on gun and drug charges. He was placed on probation for five years (which has continuously been extended) and he kept himself out of trouble for nine years, that is until he was thrown back in jail for a minor parole violation. A judge sentenced him to two to four years in prison, but thankfully he was eligible for release after spending six months behind bars.

Today, Meek will stand in yet another courtroom as he makes the argument that his 2008 should be tossed out. His battle with the judge in that case has been well-documented, as he's accused her of having a bias against him. On Tuesday morning, Meek's full interview with Gayle King for CBS This Morning will air, and the rapper will talk about the injustice he and millions of others face at the hands of the system.

In this clip, Meek shared that he has to get permission to go anywhere outside of his local area. "Even if it's to the next county over. If it's out of the city, if you don't ask for permission, you could get the rest of your probation time given to you as jail time legally." He said picking up his son from school was an impossible feat. "My son lived in New Jersey, but I lived in Philadelphia, and the bridge is a 15-minute ride. It's just a bridge. I couldn't go get my son from school when I wanted to, 'cause you know, some days I would get off work early. I would just have a free day, and I would just want to pop up at my son's school and get him from school. I'd been out of town for two weeks in a row workin'. Can't really do it."

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https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/meek-mill-shares-parole-restrictions-and-not-being-able-to-pick-up-son-from-school-news.85760.html

2019-07-16 09:12:00Z
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R. Kelly Set Up Alleged Sex Slaves Financially, They Claim They're Cut Off - TMZ

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R. Kelly's alleged sex slaves should not be in danger of going hungry or becoming homeless anytime soon -- even with the singer behind bars -- but they claim someone's cut them off from Kelly's funding.

Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary have built up a nice nest egg during their time with Kelly by working as his assistants ... according to sources connected to the women and Kelly -- and they should have plenty of money to hold them over for awhile.

We're told while they were Kelly's live-in "girlfriends," they also helped him by handling bookings and other business matters, and he paid them for it. He also gave them a weekly stipend and they were able to save much of that cash because he paid for everything anyway.

Their problem has been getting access to that money. Their attorney, Gloria Schmidt, tells us one of Kelly's staffers typically gives Azriel and Joycelyn cash -- but she says since his arrest that staffer's gone MIA.

One thing they don't have to worry about is a roof over their heads. Our sources say Kelly's Chicago condo in Trump Tower is all paid up through the end of the year, so the women can live rent-free for several months.

TMZ.com

We broke the story ... both women responded to reports they'd been evicted by recording a video showing them hanging out inside the home, telling everyone they're living there free and comfortably, as always.

The vid came 3 days after Kelly was busted in Chicago on 2 new federal indictments, including charges for multiple sex crimes, racketeering and obstruction of justice.

Both Azriel and Joycelyn's families have expressed concern for their daughters, with Joycelyn's parents saying they haven't been able to get in touch with her. 

As we reported, it's no secret where they will be Tuesday -- not only will they attend Kelly's bond hearing in federal court in Chicago, but they are planning to hold a news conference afterward with their attorney, Gloria Schmidt. 

Federal prosecutors have already made their case to the judge for Kelly to be held without bail until he goes to trial. All the more reason Azriel and Joycelyn's attorney says they're desperate to get access to the money Kelly paid them. 

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https://www.tmz.com/2019/07/16/r-kelly-joycelyn-savage-azriel-clary-alleged-sex-slaves-money-trump-tower/

2019-07-16 08:00:00Z
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Netflix has cut graphic suicide scene from first season of '13 Reasons Why' - CNN

The series is based on best-selling author Jay Asher's 2007 young adult book of the same title. It follows the fictional story of a teenage girl named Hannah Baker, portrayed by Katherine Langford, who leaves behind 13 mysterious audio recordings on cassette tapes after killing herself. An episode in season one originally depicted Hannah taking her own life.

The scene -- and some other aspects of the series -- drew criticism from mental health experts who have said it might pose a risk for young people struggling with mental health issues.

A Netflix official told CNN Monday that Hannah's suicide no longer appears on the streaming site.

"As we prepare to launch Season 3 later this summer, we've been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show," the streaming platform said in a statement. "So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we've decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from Season 1."

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and other organizations in support of the edit called it a "positive change" that mitigates "the risk for the most vulnerable teenage viewers."

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for American youth between the ages of 10 and 24, resulting in about 4,600 deaths each year, according to the CDC.

The rate of suicide among US boys ages 10 to 17 surged in the month after "13 Reasons Why" premiered in March 2017, according to an April study by the Nationwide Children's Hospital.

"We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers," show creator Yorkey said in a statement on behalf of the show's producers.

Yorkey said it was their hope in making the show "to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us."

He also said the show's intent in showing the suicide scene "was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it."

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https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/16/entertainment/13-reasons-why-edited-suicide-scene-netflix/index.html

2019-07-16 06:35:00Z
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Netflix removes suicide scene from ‘13 Reasons Why’ following debate - Fox News

Actors Dylan Minnette and Katherine Langford seen in Netflix's "13 Reasons Why." (Beth Dubber/Netflix)

Netflix Inc. removed a suicide scene from an episode of the first season of its popular teen drama “13 Reasons Why,” following a debate over whether the show increased the risk of teen suicide.

Based on the book of the same name, “13 Reasons Why” is about a depressed high-school girl who takes her own life and sends a classmate a tape explaining why she did it and who she blames.

In the final episode of the first season—the story is told in flashback—the protagonist Hannah is shown slitting her wrists in the bathtub.

While a Netflix spokesman declined to comment, the company tweeted early Tuesday that, on the advice of medical experts, it decided to edit the scene from the episode. The show is produced by Viacom Inc. ’s Paramount Television unit, which supported the decision to remove the scene, a person close to the show said.

“13 Reasons Why” has been praised by critics but criticized by health advocates and some media watchdogs who fear it glorifies suicide. The show, which premiered in March 2017, is set to start its third season this year.

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggested that “13 Reasons Why” was a factor in a rise in teen suicides. The study found that the suicide rate among people 10 to 17 went up by nearly a third in April 2017, the month after the show launched on Netflix. Some school officials issued warnings and guidance to parents about the show.

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At the time of the study, a Netflix spokesman said, “It’s a critically important topic, and we have worked hard to ensure that we handle this sensitive issue responsibly.”

Click for more from WSJ.com

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https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/netflix-removes-suicide-scene-from-13-reasons-why-following-debate

2019-07-16 05:39:34Z
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R. Kelly's Girlfriends Take to Social Media to Prove They Still Live in Trump Towers - The Source

Over the weekend, Joycelyn Savage’s parents interrupted a press conference hosted by R. Kelly’s publicity and legal team to ask the question: “Where is my daughter????” And Joycelyn answered the query via social media with poster with her “sister-wife,” Azriel Clary.

While not very vocal, Savage appeared on a video with the charismatic and sassy, Clary. You might remember Clary from the now legendary interview on CBS, where she while defending R. Kelly handed the business to Gayle King. She returns in this video with the same energy, making sure that the world knows that any allegations against her man (and rumors about her co-girlfriend) are fake news.

The video that was posted on TMZ says:

“We actually just read an article that said that we were evicted from The Trump, and saying that we are in emergency living (and all kinds of stuff like that). We just wanted to let you all know that that is not true. We are here. We are at the Trump.”

Clary (who is speaking) then turns the camera to give the viewers a peak at the skyline from the window. Clary then goes on to imply that Joycelyn’s parents are spreading lies about the girls. Surprisingly, Joycelyn hardly speaks.

What are your thoughts?

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http://thesource.com/2019/07/15/r-kelly-girlfriends-trump-towers/

2019-07-15 14:47:13Z
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Will HBO's 'Big Little Lies' be back for Season 3? - Fox News

Time to rip off the Band-Aid: "Big Little Lies" may never be back following next week's finale.

The HBO hit, which boasts a stellar cast including Oscar winners Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, plus Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz and Shailene Woodley, simply has too many big stars to work out in the long run.

“I love this group of people — I would do anything with them,” HBO president Casey Bloys told TVLine earlier this year. “But the reality is, they are some of the busiest actresses working in Hollywood. We have deals with some of them — Nicole [Kidman] is doing her next show ['The Undoing'] with us. I just think it’s not realistic."

'BIG LITTLE LIES' STAR MERYL STREEP SLAMS TERM 'TOXIC MASCULINITY'

He added, “Look, if they all came to me and said, ‘We worked out all of our schedules!’ — then sure! But I just don’t think it’s realistic.”

The series hit a few road bumps in its second season, which may also have played a role in its likely not getting renewed.

NICOLE KIDMAN GUSHES ABOUT MERYL STREEP JOINING 'BIG LITTLE LIES' SEASON 2

Production sources told IndieWire that creative control was taken away from writer-director Andrea Arnold and given to Season 1 director and executive producer Jean-Marc Vallée, resulting in awkward editing and a seemingly disjointed story.

The shift reportedly happened after all the episodes had been filmed, with insiders alleging that they were told to make Arnold's work look like Vallée's Season 1, which won eight of 16 Emmys for which it was nominated — even though Vallée had advocated for Arnold previously.

ADAM SCOTT: 'IT'S GREAT' THAT WOMEN ARE AT FOREFRONT OF 'BIG LITTLE LIES'

“It was her turn becoming a marathonian,” Vallée previously told IndieWire of Arnold's hiring. “It was a good decision, based on ‘Fish Tank’ and ‘Red Road,’ if she was ready to play in the sandbox like I did, to come from the feature film world. She was on her own; she didn’t need any advice. She did what she does, hired her people; the DP is different. We have similar ways of shooting, when you look at it. She shot hand-held, available light. She aims for performances, like I do in Season 1. She is who she is, but the spirit of the other is there.”

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Still, HBO said in a statement about the shift, “There wouldn’t be a Season 2 of ‘Big Little Lies’ without Andrea Arnold. We at HBO and the producers are extremely proud of her work. As with any television project, the executive producers work collaboratively on the series and we think the final product speaks for itself.”

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2019-07-15 14:38:38Z
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