Essam Refaat, a legal adviser to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, lodged a formal complaint with the local Attorney General’s Office against the Netflix streaming platform. He argues that the live broadcast of the biographical Queen Cleopatra breaches multiple Egyptian laws by presenting a version of Cleopatra on screen that he believes deviates from established facts. Refaat is calling for the film to be removed from Netflix and for a permanent ban on its airing, as reported by Egypt Independent.
The official contends that Netflix did not obtain permission to review the artistic concept or the manner in which Cleopatra was depicted. He also notes that there was no consultation with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture about how the historical figure should be displayed to audiences. Refaat emphasizes that the project represents more than a mere adaptation; he sees it as a misstep in honoring national history and cultural memory.
According to Refaat, the Netflix project amounts to historical misrepresentation that could mislead viewers about Egypt’s past. He claims the series disrespects Egyptian culture, everyday life, and the country’s archaeological heritage. His demand is straightforward: remove the series from circulation and enforce a permanent prohibition on its broadcast.
Meanwhile, the Cleopatra miniseries is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 10, featuring a Black actress in the lead role, Jada Pinkett Smith. This casting choice has added to the public conversation about representation in historical storytelling.
Former archaeologists and critics, including Shaker, have voiced concerns that the portrayal may distort broader elements of Egyptian history. Some argue that Cleopatra’s heritage is often debated, with claims that she was of Macedonian descent rather than African. These opinions contribute to a wider debate about how historical figures are depicted in modern media.