Disney has faced backlash in the past for some of their decisions regarding their Disney Plus content. This time, however, Disney has a number of people upset for what they claim is the glorification of a “genocidal killer” in one of their latest projects.
The new series, titled Atatürk, is a historical piece about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It’s slated to be released on October 29 for the centennial anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. However, following the release of the show’s trailer, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) claimed it glorified “a dictator and genocide killer.”
On that note, it appears that Turkish internet users have disagreed about Disney glorifying a “genocidal killer” with the release of the series. And, after calling the ANCA’s response “reactionary,” the ANCA delivered yet another comment on the matter. They alleged the following regarding Turkish Twitter users:
“Half of Turkish Twitter is desperately denying Atatürk was a genocidal killer. The other half is joyfully celebrating that Atatürk was a genocidal killer.”
Half of Turkish Twitter is desperately denying Ataturk was a genocidal killer.
The other half is joyfully celebrating that Ataturk was a genocidal killer. (pictured) pic.twitter.com/eEaZQbuVSx
— ANCA (@ANCA_DC) June 29, 2023
Of course, it’s unknown exactly what direction this series takes with the historical material, especially as it hasn’t yet been released. But that hasn’t stopped other groups from coming forward and calling out the series. Some have labeled it as an example of cultural appropriation, with others outright upset by the misrepresentation of historical facts. Either way, Disney is clearly treading on thin ice to release this series, and we’ll likely continue to see backlash from various sides.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding Disney and their other upcoming projects as we have them. For now, Atatürk is still scheduled to be released later this year on October 29, 2023. Only then will the full series be released and we’ll see what happens with the backlash at that time.