The hit Netflix show Emily in Paris has come under fire for its ‘offensive’ portrayal of Ukrainians.
Oleksandr Tkachenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Culture, has lodged a complaint with the streaming service giant about the stereotypes in the show, calling it ‘unacceptable’.
The second series of the show features Kyiv-native Petra, an uneducated thief with poor fashion sense portrayed by Ukrainian actress Daria Panchenko.
But the addition to the cast has not gone down well with Ukrainians, who Mr Tkachenko has said find the stereotypes offensive.
The first series of the show, which stars Lily Collins was also hit by claims of stereotyping
Oleksandr Tkachenko claims the show does not depict Ukrainians how they want to be seen abroad calling it ‘unacceptable’
‘In the 1990s and 2000s, Ukrainian guys were portrayed mainly as gangsters,’ he said. ‘Over time this has changed. However, not in this case.
‘In Emily in Paris, we have a caricature of a Ukrainian woman which is unacceptable. It is also offensive.
‘Is this how Ukrainians will be seen abroad? Who steal, want to get everything for free, be afraid of deportation? This should not be so.’
His comments have been backed by the likes of Ukrainian influencer Eugenie Hawrylko who questioned if there is ‘still a place for such ignorance and intolerance’ in the 21st century.
Researcher Olga Matveieva added: ‘Nationality-based stereotyping not only provokes disbalance but maintains aggressions. Let’s make peace, not offensive jokes.’
Mr Tkachenko addressed his concerns with Netflix, who he said has agreed to maintain ‘close contact’ with him to prevent future cases of stereotyping in the show.
‘They thanked me for the feedback,’ he said. ‘But they heard about the concern of Ukrainian viewers with the image of a Ukrainian woman.
The second series of the show features Kyiv-native Petra, an uneducated thief with poor fashion sense portrayed by Ukrainian actress Daria Panchenko
Despite negative reviews from the critics, the show has become a firm favourite with a large fan base who found it to be a ‘light-hearted’ antidote to the covid pandemic.
‘We agreed that in 2022, we will be in close contact to prevent such cases.
‘Such an active public position will help ensure the attitude of Ukrainians is taken into account in future filming.’
The first series of the show, which stars Lily Collins, daughter of frontman of Genesis 2.0, Phil Collins, was also hit by claims of stereotyping after French people were dubbed rude waiters, philanderers and mistresses.
‘Name a cliché about the French, you’ll find it in Emily In Paris,’ fumed French newspaper 20 Minutes.
And magazine Madmoizelle raged: ‘It reduces the capital’s inhabitants to vile snobs sporting Birkin handbags who light up a cigarette the minute they’re out of the gym.’
Despite negative reviews from the critics, it has become a firm favourite with a large fan base who found it to be a ‘light-hearted’ antidote to the covid pandemic.
Many viewers said they recognised many of the well-worn themes about Parisians included in the series, whether the subject is long lunches, arriving late at the office, or the French belief that the Americans ‘live to work’ – while they themselves ‘work to live’.
Back again? Emily In Paris’ Lily Collins sends fans wild as she appears to CONFIRM a third season
Elaine Sciolino, 71, tweeted about the series, created by Sex and the City producer Darren Star: ‘Within the clichés were grains of truth.
‘The world is dangerous, and covid is resurging in France. Let’s allow ourselves to enjoy the pleasures of everyday life.’
Earlier this week, Lily Collins sent fans into a frenzy after appearing to confirm there will be a third season of her hit show as she toyed with fans that the show could take place in Berlin.
Fans got excited after Lily reposted a picture of herself modelling for Vogue Hong Kong alongside a comment from a fan suggesting the style was more ‘Emily In Berlin’ and she teased in response: ‘Season 3 pivot??? Who’s with me?’
Lily Collins produced the second season and starred as Chicago native Emily Cooper, who works as Savoir social media strategist despite never learning to speak or write French – much to some of her colleagues’ annoyance.
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