PHOTOSToo Little Too Late? ‘13 Reasons Why’ Removes Graphic Suicide Scene After Consulting With Doctors
Jul. 16 2019, Updated 6:40 p.m. ET
13 Reasons Why creator Brian Yorkey edited out the controversial suicide scene from the season one finale of his hit Netflix show. In a statement from the streaming service shared with People on July 16, he detailed the decision he arrived at after consulting doctors.
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“We’ve heard from many young people that 13 Reasons Why encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help — often for the first time,” the statement from Netflix read.
“As we prepare to launch Season 3 later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show,” the statement continued.
“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 controversial scene originally showed Hannah, portrayed by Katherine Langford, dying by suicide. The edited version now shows Hannah staring at herself in a mirror before cutting to her parents’ reactions.
Although the show had intentions of creating awareness about suicide, it also received backlash for portraying scenes of sexual assault, rape, underage drinking, driving under the influence, and of course Hannah’s suicide scene.
“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,” Brian continued. He hoped the show would “help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it,” like the bestselling book of the same name byJay Asher.
The third season of 13 Reasons Why is expected to arrive on Netflix sometime this summer.
