Mumbai/IBNS: OTT platform Netflix has been sued over an episode in the American sitcom The Big Bang Theory where an alleged derogatory remark was made against Dollywood actor Madhuri Dixit.
The complaint was filed by political analyst Mithun Vijay Kumar, who wants the streaming giant to remove the first episode of season 2 where Kunal Nayyars character Raj Koothrapalli and Jim Parsonss character Sheldon Cooper compare Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit.
In the scene in question, Sheldon Cooper calls Aishwarya Rai a poor mans Madhuri Dixit. In response to his comment, Raj Koothrapalli replies, Aishwarya Rai is a goddess, by comparison, Madhuri Dixit is a leprous prostitute.
According to Kumar, the characters comments are both disrespectful and defamatory.
He has asked Netflix to remove the episode or face legal action for promoting discrimination against women. The notice has been sent to the Netflix office in Mumbai, said reports.
My client is deeply concerned about the negative impact that such content can have on society, particularly in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and discrimination against women. This content is not only insensitive but also promotes sexism and misogyny, which is unacceptable in any form, the legal notice said.
Recently, I came across an episode of the show Big Bang Theory on Netflix where Kunal Nayyars character uses an offensive and derogatory term to refer to the legendary Bollywood actress @MadhuriDixit. As a fan of Madhuri Dixit since childhood, I was deeply disturbed by the pic.twitter.com/pvRCKd5Ne4
Mithun Vijay Kumar (@MVJonline) March 22, 2023
It is important to hold companies like Netflix accountable for their actions and to ensure that they are sensitive to the cultural values and sentiments of the communities they serve. I was deeply troubled by the use of a derogatory term in one of the shows on Netflix – Big Bang Theory. This term was used in reference to the acclaimed actress Madhuri Dixit, and it was not only offensive and deeply hurtful but also showed a lack of regard for her dignity, Kumar said.
The Big Bang Theory, which was created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, debuted in 2007 and ended its 12-season run in 2019.
