Selena Gomez and Netflix Address '13 Reasons Why' Controversy

In the month since Netflix released its original series “13 Reasons Why,” many groups and organizations have come forward criticizing the show for its portrayal of suicide. Now both Selena Gomez and Netflix are addressing the controversy.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Gomez, an executive producer on the show, said, “We stayed very true to the book. That’s initially what [author] Jay Asher created, a beautifully tragic, complicated yet suspenseful story, and I think that’s what we wanted to do.”

“We wanted to do it justice and, yeah, [the backlash is] going to come no matter what,” she added.

Netflix has also responded to critiques that the show glamorizes suicide by adding additional trigger warnings to the show.

“While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting important conversation with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories,” Netflix said in a statement, according to Buzzfeed.

The streaming service will offer additional trigger warnings before the first episode as well as strengthened advisories and resource language for episodes that contain graphic subject matter. Resources include 13ReasonsWhy.info — a site listing resources and crisis lines for countries where the show can be streamed.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.