In a tragic turn of events, the search for a submersible bound for the Titanic came to a devastating conclusion, with all five individuals onboard confirmed dead after the vessel imploded deep in the North Atlantic.
The news sent shockwaves across the world, leading to an outpouring of tributes for the victims of this incident.
Amidst this somber atmosphere, Netflix announced that the iconic film "Titanic," directed by James Cameron and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, is set to return to the streaming platform on July 1.
However, this decision has sparked controversy and accusations of being "rude and insensitive" for streaming the movie so soon after the tragedy.
377241 01: 1997 Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in James Cameron's "Titanic."Getty Images
"Poor Taste"
Despite claims that Netflix acquired the movie following the submersible disaster in an alleged attempt to capitalize on the situation, the Los Angeles Times confirmed that the deal to bring "Titanic" back to the streaming service was made several months prior.
Social media erupted with criticism, condemning the streaming giant for what many deemed as acting in "poor taste."
Some users even made jokes about the unfortunate coincidence, echoing the internet's tendency to react with humor in the face of tragedy.
While one Twitter user expressed their love for the film, they also expressed their concerns, stating, "I kind of think it's rude and insensitive that they're adding it back on Netflix NOW. People literally died on the submarine a few days ago??? But they don't care; they just know they'll get lots of streams/$$. Sad."
Another user tweeted, "Netflix is bringing Titanic back for viewers. That is cold hearted and in poor taste."
However one user expressed a different opinion saying. "Ok. I'll die on this hill. It's not in poor taste, it's wise business. People are talking about the Titanic & the wide income disparities demonstrated by the tragedy decades ago & the billionaires who died recently. You go, Netflix. "
The Titan submersible implosion, which led to this chain of events, captivated global attention and triggered an intense search effort. The hopes and prayers of people around the world were united in anticipation of a different outcome.
However, the five-day saga concluded with a tragic announcement on Thursday, confirming the implosion of the submersible near the location of the famous Titanic shipwreck. This incident resulted in the loss of all lives onboard, marking a deeply sorrowful moment.
The victims of this incident have been identified as Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate Expeditions, the organization responsible for the submersible; Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, members of a prominent Pakistani family; British adventurer Hamish Harding; and Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a renowned expert on the Titanic.
As the world mourns the loss of these individuals, the decision by Netflix to stream "Titanic" has drawn criticism for its alleged insensitivity. However, it should be noted that the agreement to bring the film back to the platform was finalized long before this tragedy occurred, as per a report from the Los Angeles Times.
