Netflix’s “Cocomelon,” a popular animated series aimed at children two and older, tackles preschool issues through a musical lens.
It consistently ranks among Netflix’s top 10 streamed series. A spinoff called “Cocomelon Lane” features the same characters but with more dialogue and story.
Recently, this spinoff stirred controversy among some conservative circles after a clip from an episode released in November gained attention in December.
So what made everyone mad about a kids’ show?
The Netflix show CoComelon Lane faced backlash due to a viral scene featuring a boy in a tutu. This scene was part of season 1, episode 8, where Nico, guided by his two gay dads, expressed his individuality and love of dancing by changing into a tutu and tiara. Critics argued this portrayal contradicted their beliefs and wasn’t suitable for children. Netflix and the show’s creators have yet to respond to the calls for a boycott.
What Is the CoComelon Lane Controversy?
Recently, the children’s show CoComelon Lane on Netflix faced backlash after a scene depicting a boy dancing in a tutu went viral.
Despite being released in November, the clip gained attention online when it was shared on social media by an account known as @EndWokeness.
It currently has more than 21k likes. The caption of the tweet reads:
“The new CoComelon Lane on Netflix has a boy in a dress dance for his two gay dads. CoComelon is the most popular show for babies and toddlers ages 2+.”
This tweet ignited a storm of controversy. Many netizens expressed their outrage at the clip, with some calling it “truly evil.”
Others said it was inviting controversy and potential bans, much like the backlash the beer brand BudLight faced for featuring trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney in an advertising campaign earlier this year.
But what did the full episode show?
The controversial scene in question was part of the first season’s eighth episode, “Nina’s Three-Legged Race/Say Cheese Nico/Nina Shares a Treat.”
It depicted a boy named Nico struggling to decide what to wear for a family photo while his two gay dads encouraged him to embrace his individuality and wear whatever he felt comfortable in.
In the episode, the dads sing about Nico’s love for dancing, and he enthusiastically responds to it by changing into a tutu and a tiara.
The dads continue to encourage him to dance freely and express himself, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself.
It’s also worth noting that the 40-second video clip is part of a larger scene where Nico tries on various outfits, including those of a firefighter and a chef.
The controversy surrounding the scene stems from the portrayal of a young boy exploring gender expression through clothing and the inclusion of gay parents.
Some critics argue that this portrayal goes against their beliefs and is unsuitable for young children.
Currently, neither Netflix nor the creators of CoComelon Lane have responded to the calls for a boycott of the show or the streaming platform.
CoComelon Lane was launched on Netflix on November 17, 2023.
The show aims to provide entertainment and educational content for children, but this particular scene has ignited a broader discussion about the representation of gender identity and LGBTQ+ families in children’s programming.
Which side of the debate are you on? Do you think the show took a step too far? Or are the conservatives aimlessly raging?
Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
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