Netflix responds to harsh criticism of upcoming release ‘Insatiable’

Netflix has responded to criticism of its upcoming release, Insatiable. 

The series, due to be released next month, follows an overweight high school student nicknamed 'Fatty Patty' who suffers a punch to the face, leading to her having to have her jaw wired shut. Patty then loses a lot of weight over the summer and returns to school to get her revenge. The show has been criticised by many for its attitude towards eating disorders and the decision to dress lead actor Debby Ryan in a fat suit. Netflix Original Series VP Cindy Holland has since responded to calls for the show to be cancelled. Speaking at the 2018 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour over the weekend, she said: 

“Lauren Gussis, who is the creator, felt very strongly about exploring these issues based on her own experiences, but in a satirical, over-the-top way. “Ultimately, the message of the show is that what is most important is that you feel comfortable in your own self. Fat-shaming itself, that criticism, is embedded in the DNA of the show.”

This comes after Gussis spoke out about the show's release herself saying that the project draws on her own insecurities during high school. On Twitter, she wrote:

 "When I was 13 I was suicidal. My best friends dumped me, I was bullied, and I wanted revenge.

"I thought if I looked pretty on the outside, I'd feel like I was enough. Instead, I developed an eating disorder... and the kind of rage that makes you want to do dark things."

Gussis went on to say that she's still not comfortable in her own skin, "... but I'm trying to share my insides - to share my pain and my vulnerability through humour. That's just my way." Insatiable is due to be released on August 10. A petition to cancel the series has already been signed by over 200,000 people.