Netflix to remove controversial real-life accident footage from 'Bird Box'

Image
Press Trust of India Los Angeles
Last Updated : Mar 15 2019 | 6:05 PM IST

Netflix has said that it will be removing footage of a real-life Canadian rail disaster from its film "Bird Box".

The Sandra Bullock-starring film, directed by Susanne Bier, featured a stock footage from 2013 Lac-Megantic tragedy that claimed lives of over 40 people. It was used to depict a fictional news story about an apocalyptic scenario.

In a brief statement to The Wrap, the streaming giant confirmed that it has decided to replace the clip.

"Netflix and the filmmakers of 'Bird Box' have decided to replace the clip. We're sorry for any pain caused to the Lac-Megantic community," the statement said.

Netflix had earlier refused to remove the footage from the film after the controversy happened in January.

The Canadian Parliament had also voted unanimously, criticising Netflix and demanding removal of the images from "its fiction catalogue".

The country's lawmakers also asked for compensation for the citizens of Lac-Megantic, Quebec.

The footage from the tragedy appeared in an episode of another Netflix show called "Travelers", but the production company behind that show swiftly removed and replaced the video.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 15 2019 | 6:05 PM IST

Next Story