A political analyst has sued Netflix over an episode of the American sitcom “The Big Bang Theory”. He contends that it utilizes a “derogatory term” to refer to Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit.
According to the legal notice, political analyst Mithun Vijay Kumar wants Netflix to remove the first episode of Season 2 in which Kunal Nayyar’s character Raj Koothrapalli and Jim Parsons’ character Sheldon Cooper compare Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit.
Sheldon Cooper refers to Aishwarya Rai as a “poor man’s Madhuri Dixit” in the scene in question. Raj Koothrapalli responds to his remark, “Aishwarya Rai is a goddess; Madhuri Dixit is a leprous prostitute.”
According to Mr Kumar, the character’s remarks are both disrespectful and defamatory. He has asked the Netflix to remove the episode or face legal action for encouraging discrimination against woman. The notice has been sent to the Netflix office in Mumbai.
“My client is deeply concerned about the negative impact that such content can have on society, particularly in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and discrimination against woman. This content is not only insensitive but it also encourages sexism and misogyny, both of which are unacceptable in any form,” the notice stated.
“It is critical that companies like Netflix be held 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 disturbed by the usage of a derogatory term in one of Netflix’s episodes, Big Bang Theory. This phrase was used in reference to famed actress Madhuri Dixit, and it was not only disrespectful and deeply hurtful but it also demonstrated a disregard for her dignity,” Mr Kumar stated.
The 12-season run of ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, began in 2007 and ended in 2019.
