“Netflix and Egypt clash over Cleopatra portrayal”
The Controversy Surrounding Jada Pinkett Smith’s Cleopatra Documentary
Cleopatra, the famous queen of Egypt, remains a mystery in many aspects. Her mother’s identity is unknown, and historians have debated her origins for centuries. Now, a new drama documentary produced by Jada Pinkett Smith is set to explore her life, but not without controversy.
Smith’s project has caught the attention of many, particularly in Egypt, where Cleopatra’s reign was a significant part of their history. While the actress and historian voices her choice to highlight the stories of black queens, many Egyptian historians have objected to the portrayal of Cleopatra as a black queen.
Zahi Hawass, a famous historian in Egypt, said, “This is a complete lie. Cleopatra was of Greek origin, which means she was fair-skinned.” He also emphasized that portraying Cleopatra as black misrepresented history and misleads viewers.
Moreover, many argue that black rulers only existed among the Kush kings in the 25th dynasty of ancient civilization. Therefore, the controversy surrounding the production reflects the ongoing debates around the representation of history.
On Sunday, an Egyptian lawyer appealed to the prosecutor’s office, demanding that Netflix bans the broadcast of this production in the country. The same lawyer also argued that the production violated Egypt’s press laws.
Despite the controversy, Smith’s project will undoubtedly spark new conversations about Cleopatra’s life, origins, and legacy. Beyond the debate, her story and reign continue to fascinate people worldwide.
