13 Reasons Why: Netflix Removes Controversial Suicide Scene

A controversial scene in Netflix drama, 13 Reasons Why has been edited out, two years after it first appeared.

The scene in question focused on Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) taking her own life. It was a graphic scene and one that was controversial from the get-go.

An independent study concluded that the suicide rate among individuals 10 to 17 increased by 30 percent in April 2017, just one month after 13 Reasons debuted on Netflix.

“We’ve heard from many young people that 13 Reasons Why encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help — often for the first time,” Netflix said in a statement.

“As we prepare to launch Season 3 later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show."

"So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from Season 1.”

The show's creator, Brian Yorkey, echoed those sentiments.

"It was our hope, in making 13 Reasons Why into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us."

He continued: "Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in season one was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it."

"But as we ready to launch season three, we have heard concerns about the scene from Dr Christine Moutier at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others, and have agreed with Netflix to re-edit it."

"No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers."

Netflix has yet to confirm when the series will actually premiere its third season.

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