Netflix has been accused of “blackwashing” the story by casting a black actress as a historically Macedonian Greek ruler.
The new documentary series “African Queens: Queen Cleopatra” stars black British actress Adele James as the Egyptian ruler. Producer Jada Pinkett Smith said she wanted to tell the story because “we don’t often see or hear stories about black queens.”
The trailer released last week has sparked furious backlash for including claims by historians that Cleopatra was black and had “curly hair”.
One of the historians in the film says, “I remember my grandmother saying to me: I don’t care what they tell you at school, Cleopatra was black.”
Egyptians have reacted with horror to the denial of records showing that Cleopatra was Macedonian-Greek. An Egyptian lawyer has filed a complaint with the country’s prosecutor’s office, demanding Netflix be shut down.
Meanwhile, Cairo’s former antiquities minister, Zahi Hawass, has condemned the documentary’s claims as “completely bogus”. Cleopatra was Greek, which means she was fair, not black.”
Hot water: Netflix has been forced to turn off commentary for the official trailer for new documentary series Queen Cleopatra (pictured: Cleopatra played by Adele James).
Controversy: In the show, which will air on May 10, Cleopatra is portrayed as black, although historical records show that she was of Macedonian-Greek descent
The four-part series will explore the legacy, intellect and life of Cleopatra VII, the Greek Queen of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC.
The trailer notes that Cleopatra belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, but then disputes her heritage.
“It’s possible she was Egyptian,” says one expert, while another adds, “I remember my grandmother saying to me, ‘I don’t care what they tell you at school, Cleopatra was black. ”
The two-minute official trailer, uploaded on April 12, has already amassed over 1.9 million views on YouTube.
Meanwhile, Netflix was forced to shut down comments on the official trailer after it was met with controversy.
A Change.org petition to cancel the show has garnered over 3,000 signatures. A previous petition – which was removed – had over 62,000 signatures.
Author Kemi Owonibi tweeted: “For the umpteenth time Egyptian Queen Cleopatra was not Egyptian.
“She was Greek! Cleopatra VII was white – of Macedonian descent, as were all the Ptolemaic rulers who lived in Egypt.’
Another added: “Netflix is - once again – black and washing down a historically white character, this time it’s Queen Cleopatra turning into a black woman, although we know she was white – of Macedonian/Greek descent, likewise.” like all rulers of the Ptolemy dynasty.’
A third said: “Cleopatra was NOT black, she was the Greek Queen of Egypt and is a beautiful marriage between Greek and Egyptian civilisation.”
Backlash: Twitter users reacted furiously after seeing the trailer, with one calling it “stealing Egyptian history”.
Egyptian actress and singer Somaya Elkhashab tweeted: “Identifying Queen Cleopatra as black because she fulfills modern African American fantasies is sheer theft of Egyptian history and at the same time an attempt to rewrite history’s greats.
“The blacking out of a Greek queen shows obsession with white women and that would do absolutely nothing to stop racism.”
However, another said: “Well it seems Jada Pinkett Smith has people tensed about her upcoming documentary on Netflix. It’s called #QueenCleopatra and it will air on May 10th.
“The problem is, Cleopatra is shown as a black woman, and some people don’t like that. I personally can’t wait to see it!’
Cleopatra was the consort of Alexander the Great, known for her marriages and affairs with Marc Antony and Julius Caesar.
Her first language was Greek, although she was the only Ptolemaic ruler to use the Egyptian language.
Actress Adele James previously responded by telling people not to watch the show if they don’t like the casting.
She tweeted: “FYI, this type of behavior is not tolerated on my account. You will be blocked without hesitation!!! If you don’t like the casting, don’t watch the show.
Starring: Adele James, 37, plays Cleopatra and previously warned people not to watch the show if they don’t like the casting
‘Or do and engage in (expert) opinions that differ from yours. Either way, I AM GASED and will remain so!’
The official synopsis reads: “From Executive Producer Jada Pinkett Smith comes a new documentary series exploring the lives of prominent and iconic African queens.
“This season will star Cleopatra, the world’s most famous, powerful and misunderstood woman – a daring queen whose beauty and romance eclipsed her true assets: her intellect.
“Cleopatra’s legacy has been the subject of much academic debate, often ignored by Hollywood. Now our series is re-evaluating this fascinating part of its story.”
has reached out to the Netflix and Pinckett-Smith production company for comment.
Queen Cleopatra is available to stream on Netflix from May 10th.