An upcoming Netflix documentary has caused backlash online, with some subscribers claiming that the streaming giant has hit “rock bottom” by choosing to spotlight a controversial topic.
The new film falls within Netflix’s Untold series which delves into a myriad of fascinating real-life stories across the spheres of sports and health.
Past episodes have chronicled diverse subjects such as Caitlyn Jenner’s Olympic journey, the murder of NFL star Steve McNair and the tale of an Australian sailing team that ended a 132-year American winning streak in a race.
Today (April 22), Netflix unveiled a teaser for its next intriguing chapter. Untold: The Liver King explores the rise and fall of Brian Johnson, a raw meat-eating influencer.
Johnson flaunted an enviable build while promoting the virtues of “ancestral living”, comprising brutal workouts paired with a diet including testicles. While he amassed a significant online following, the story behind his fame had more layers than it seemed, reports Surrey Live.
Netflix’s synopsis reads: “He built a supplement empire by devouring raw meat on social media. And he had the muscles to prove it. But really, how did the Liver King get so huge?”
Untold: The Liver King’s director Joe Pearlman shared with Netflix that he was “transfixed” after discovering the influencer. He confessed: “I wanted to find out more; who he really was and what was really going on… The truth was even crazier than I could have possibly imagined.”
He added: “We live in a time when someone can reach hundreds of millions of people without going through any kind of traditional gatekeeping… No background checks: just a phone and a guy. When shock and outrage get views, what are you willing, or even able, to keep doing to stay at the top of the algorithm?”
The debut trailer for the documentary series has sparked a storm of reactions, leaving viewers split down the middle. One unhappy viewer commented: “Netflix, this might be rock bottom for you,” while another expressed their distaste, penning: “I hate that Netflix gave him a platform. So sick.”
One surprised fan shared: “I was not expecting a Netflix special on the Liver King,” accompanied by a string of laughing emojis. Meanwhile someone else quipped: “We ever gonna get one of these documentaries about that Scottish Wonka fiasco?”
Untold: The Liver King will be available to stream on Netflix from May 13
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