Yahoo News 13 Reasons Why sparks controversy with 'horrifying' rape scene: 'It went beyond graphic'
Netflix series 13 Reasons Why has returned with yet another hard-hitting scene that has sparked controversy among fans and a campaign calling for it to be cancelled.
Following the furore surrounding the show's depiction of suicide upon its debut last year, the new batch of episodes arrived fit with a PSA and mature content disclaimer which saw the show's lead stars tell the audience the season ahead will tackle “tough, real-world issues,” even going so far as to encourage younger viewers to watch with an adult.
This disclaimer was added for good reason thanks to a graphic scene in the season two finale which features the rape of a male character.
Throughout the season, the issue of bullying is tackled through the character Tyler (Devin Druid), an outcast who is shown to have no friends at Liberty, the fictional High School at the heart of the series. Tyler eventually befriends a group of punk kids - something which, in turn, leads to him getting sent to a rehab program after he's coaxed into vandalising the baseball field.
Upon returning to Liberty, Tyler is targeted by a sports kid named Monty (Timothy Granaderos) who - in a scene The Daily Beast describes as “horrifying” - follows him into a bathroom to sexually assault him
The violent moment - which lasts for two minutes - sees Monty bash Tyler's head against the sink before Monty, shouting homophobic slurs at him, assaults him using a mop - which is later shown to be covered in blood.
While many are praising the show for shedding light on the issue of sexual violation, others feel its graphic nature was unnecessary, expressing their shock via social media.
I understand that 13 Reasons Why is a show that displays the harsh realities of the world, abuse, suicide, rape, depression, etc...
But season 2, episode 13, at time 38-41 is unacceptable. It is a reality in this world, but that went beyond graphic and I am sick.
Beware.— sami (@sraihane1) 19 May 2018
13 reasons why is a truly disgusting show, i hope none of my mutuals watch it/support it in any way. the writers/producers do NOT care abt people with mental illnesses or abt raising awareness around mental health. they care abt romanticizing mental illness, rape and suicide +
— lia (@koosclub) 19 May 2018
Why is it becoming normal to show actual rape scenes in tv shows especially ones aimed at teenagers.. like I hate that my sister watches 13 reasons why it disgusts me but she’s literally the target audience of the show
— marsella (@marsella_kay) 19 May 2018
DAMN traumatized by that scene in the bathroom between tyler and montgomery. thats TOO messed up, more messed up than the rape scene, and the suicide scene in season 1. I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE AS HELL!!! #13ReasonsWhy
— seketul naim yang introvert (@euronavim) 19 May 2018
Others feel that the moment was “narratively exploitative” and merely used as a tool to set up the season finale cliffhanger (Tyler heads to the school dance with an automatic rifle, scenes which saw the show's premiere cancelled following the tragic school shooting in Santa Fe which left 10 dead).
If you're affected by these issues, visit rapecrisis.org.uk. You can call 0808 802 9999 between 12 noon - 2.30pm and 7 - 9.30pm every day of the year for confidential support and/or information about your nearest services.
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