Jack Thorne, co-creator of the critically acclaimed Netflix miniseries Adolescence, has fiercely dismissed allegations of “race-swapping” in the show, calling the theory “absurd” and baseless. The controversy erupted after Tesla CEO Elon Musk amplified a claim on X, suggesting the series altered the race of a character inspired by a real-life crime. Thorne, speaking on The News Agents podcast, clarified that the show is a fictional exploration of masculinity, not a retelling of any specific event, directly countering the narrative that gained traction online.
Musk’s “Wow” Sparks Online Firestorm
The debate ignited when Musk responded with a simple “Wow” to an X post asserting that Adolescence—a four-part drama centered on a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a young girl—was based on a true crime committed by a Black child, with the show allegedly casting a white actor to push an “anti-white” agenda. The post quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from fans and detractors alike. Thorne, who crafted the series alongside actor Stephen Graham, stated that no part of the story draws from real events, debunking the conspiracy as a misreading of the show’s intent.
Thorne: Knife Crime Isn’t Race-Specific
Addressing the accusations head-on, Thorne argued that linking knife crime solely to Black youth is a flawed and reductive stereotype. “It’s absurd to say knife crime is only committed by Black boys—it’s not true,” he stated, pointing to historical data showing such incidents span all racial backgrounds. He stressed that Adolescence aims to dissect the pressures of masculinity on young boys, not to comment on race. The series, lauded for its raw performances and innovative single-take episodes, has been praised by critics as a poignant social commentary since its release two weeks ago.
A Hit Series Dragged Into Controversy
Despite its initial acclaim for stellar acting by Owen Cooper and a gripping narrative, Adolescence has now found itself at the center of a polarizing online debate. The show follows the emotional turmoil of a family grappling with the aftermath of a brutal crime, earning accolades for its cinematography and storytelling. However, the race-swapping claims—amplified by Musk’s reaction—have shifted focus from its artistic merits to a contentious culture war issue, with some labeling it “propaganda.”
Misinformation Clouds Creative Vision
Thorne expressed frustration at the misinformation swirling around the series, noting that he and Graham never intended to adapt a specific case. “There’s no part of this that’s based on a true story,” he reiterated, distancing the show from online speculation tying it to incidents like the Southport murder. The co-creator’s rebuttal aligns with a broader pushback against narratives that misrepresent creative works for political gain, a trend increasingly visible on platforms like X.
The post Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne SLAMS “Absurd” race-swapping claims after Elon Musk’s tweet: “There’s no part of this that’s based on a true story” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
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