Netflix has faced criticism for featuring stolen footage of children with a rare skin disease in a movie that depicts the fictional effects of toxic waste. The movie in question is Gandeevadhari Arjuna, an Indian action-thriller released in 2023. Rather than using stage makeup, the producers used unauthorised footage of Evan Fasciano, a 13-year-old suffering from Harlequin ichthyosis, to portray the injuries caused by toxic waste. Harlequin ichthyosis is a severe genetic disorder that results in large diamond-shaped skin plates with deep cracks, affecting various parts of the body and limiting movement. The condition can lead to breathing difficulties and even respiratory failure, making it rare for infants to survive. Hunter Steinitz, a 28-year-old with the same condition, was shocked and appalled to see Evan’s clip in the movie, in which he was described as a product of toxic waste. Steinitz emphasized the need for Netflix to recognize the individuals with rare diseases as more than mere props. The insensitive use of the footage has angered the Harlequin ichthyosis community and the Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types has sent a letter to Netflix expressing their concerns. Steinitz’s image wasn’t used in the movie, but she has previously experienced online trolls using her pictures without permission to make hateful comments about her appearance. The community has come together to create a video expressing their anger and disappointment with Netflix, and a petition has been started by Holly Johnson, a mother of a three-year-old with ichthyosis, urging Netflix to remove the offensive film and promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals.

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