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Recently released Netflix shows are deemed “dangerously misleading” by LDS Church

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Salt Lake City, Utah – A new Netflix series is being referred to as “dangerously misleading” by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which says it misrepresents LDS prophet Brigham Young.

During the Utah War of 1857, a group of LDS pioneers attempted to live on the American frontier in “American Primeval,” which began streaming on Netflix earlier this month.

The program portrays the “Mountain Meadows Massacre,” in which local Latter-day Saint militiamen, with the help of American Indian friends, slaughtered roughly 120 immigrants who were going to California in wagons.

“This play is terribly misleading, even though historical fiction can be enlightening. By any historical criterion, Brigham Young—a heralded prophet and valiant trailblazer—is terribly misrepresented as a violent, evil fanatic. A statement from the Church said, in part, that “other people and groups are also portrayed in ways that reinforce stereotypes that are both inaccurate and harmful.”

The Church went on to state that they have long recognized and denounced the tragedy, encouraged healing, and revealed the facts. Additionally, they stated that a “deceptive, graphic, and sensationalized” narrative might “foster animosity, hate, and even violence” while concealing reality and impeding sincere understanding.

Director Peter Berg addressed criticism of the show’s portrayals in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He claimed that because the slaughter in the program occurs swiftly while the ones in the past took place over three days, it is not a true representation of the Mountain Meadows slaughter.

Although there has been some opposition, I haven’t heard any Mormons dispute the fact that the Meadows Massacre occurred and that Mormons were responsible. He remarked, “I’ve heard them voice worries that we do take other liberties.

The church has reacted to its representations in the media on several occasions. The church also issued a statement just prior to the release of the A24 movie “Heretic,” in which two church missionaries were imprisoned by Mr. Reed, who tested their faith and convictions.

The Church has stated that while some of its Hollywood representations are “fair and accurate,” others are stereotypes or egregious misrepresentations that have real-life repercussions, without mentioning any particular movie or television program.

In a statement, the Church said, “We accept that some members of the media are fascinated by the Church, but we regret that representations frequently rely on sensationalism and false information that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members or the sacred beliefs that they hold dear.”

 

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