Elon Musk promotes false theory about Netflix series's inspiration
- Jack Thorne refuted claims that the Netflix series is based on a real crime involving a Black child.
- Misinformation surrounding the series suggests it contains racial bias due to casting choices.
- Thorne emphasizes that the series addresses themes of masculinity, not race, advocating for responsible storytelling.
In recent discussions, Jack Thorne, co-creator of the Netflix series 'Adolescence,' addressed a conspiracy theory that had gained traction online, particularly following its promotion by Elon Musk. This theory claimed the show was inspired by a real-life crime involving a Black child, but Thorne refuted this assertion during an interview. Emphasizing that the series is purely fictional, he clarified that it does not draw from any specific case and is not a representation of an actual event. He expressed concern over the impact of misleading narratives, especially when they seek to frame the content as 'anti-white propaganda' due to casting choices. Thorne elaborated that the series plots revolve around themes of masculinity rather than racial dynamics. He highlighted the absurdity of suggesting that knife crime is exclusive to any racial group, stating that these offenses can occur among individuals of various backgrounds. The online post that sparked the controversy suggested that the show's white protagonist was a deliberate race-swapping decision in light of its supposed Black criminal inspiration, a notion Thorne vehemently denied. In an attempt to combat the misinformation, Thorne reiterated the self-contained nature of the narrative: