Netflix | Inset: Public Domain

Following Netflix’s announcement that 24.7 million households have viewed its latest made-for-streaming movie, American Primeval, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is criticizing the global streamer leader.

The Church is particularly focused on Kim Coates’ (Blackhawk Down, Sons of Anarchy) portrayal of Brigham Young, one of its most revered pioneers. In an official statement, the Church called his characterization “egregiously mischaracterized.”

“While historical fiction can be illuminating, this drama is dangerously misleading,” the Church wrote. “Brigham Young, a revered prophet and courageous pioneer, is, by any historical standard, egregiously mischaracterized as a villainous, violent fanatic. Other individuals and groups are also depicted in ways that reinforce stereotypes that are both inaccurate and harmful.”

The remarkably popular series features compelling stories and characters, including Young. He was the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ until he died in 1877. The series is set in 1857, during the Utah War in the American West, which was also known as the Utah Expedition or the Mormon War.

Moments in the six-episode series show armed militiamen and Native American allies confronting the U.S. military. The gang is shown killing 120 members of the Baker-Fancher Wagon train, emigrants traveling to California and dubbed the “Mountain Meadows Massacre.”

Peter Berg, the series director who also served as the showrunner for popular films such as Lone Survivor, The Kingdom, and Friday Night Lights, sparked this debate with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In an article for The Hollywood Reporter, Berg admitted that certain creative liberty was taken to give the story of the Utah War a cinematic feel.

“It’s not a literal depiction of the Meadows Massacre because those massacres took place over three days, and ours takes place very quickly,” he said. “I’ve heard some of the pushback, but I haven’t heard anyone from the Mormon side deny that the Meadows Massacre happened, and that Mormons did it. I have had them express concerns that we do take other liberties.”

The Church statement does touch upon the Mountain Meadows Massacre, however. There is mention of misleading depictions with that disturbing portrayal in the series.

“As to the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which the series inaccurately portrays as reflective of a whole faith group, the Church has long acknowledged and condemned this horrific tragedy. It has also taken significant steps to uncover and share the full truth of what happened and promote healing.”

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, a major newspaper in the home of the Church, social media has been consistently accusing members of the faith as “serial killers” since the episodic drama’s release on Jan. 9.

Those are the fearful responses, sparked by what has been seen in American Primeval, that Church officials believe are problematic and dangerous for their adherents across the country.

“The problem with such deceptive, graphic and sensationalized storytelling is that it not only obscures reality and hinders genuine understanding but can foster animosity, hate and even violence. This is particularly troubling today when peacemakers are needed more than ever,” the Church statement continued.

Several national publications have contacted Berg’s production company and Netflix for comment, but no contact has been made to date.

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