Netflix Reality Series “Afflicted” Provokes Controversy and Outrage

Mold illness patient Bekah Fly was featured in the Netflix series “Afflicted.”

August 19, 2018

A new Netflix series called “Afflicted” has prompted a good deal of discussion and considerable outrage in the chronic illness community, due to its suggestion that seven featured illness sufferers are likely psychologically rather than physically ill.

Individuals in the film had been diagnosed by clinicians with a range of conditions, including ME/CFS, mold-related illness, multiple chemical sensitivity, and Lyme disease (acute and chronic).

Many of the patients, family members and physicians featured in the program have spoken out publicly against the final version of the series, saying that their stories were distorted by the producers in the editing room to create the illusion of mental illness while removing almost all evidence of physiological illness.

Reviews from individuals who have viewed part or all of the series may be read on the website Afflicted Reviews, which is presented by Paradigm Change.

A group of more than three dozen scientists, writers, filmmakers and other high-profile individuals wrote an open letter to Netflix executives requesting that the series be removed from the service.

The same letter is available as a petition from ME Action and acquired more than 5,000 signatures in its first two days online.

Another petition has acquired more than 7,000 signatures.

Below are running lists of media and blog articles about the series.

Statements from Series Participants

Jamison Hill – September 7, 2018

Glen Zielinski – September 2018

Pilar Olave – August 23, 2018

Group Statement – August 19, 2018

Jamison Hill – August 19, 2018

Jesse Bercowetz – August 19, 2018

Nick Dinnerstein – August 19, 2018

Jake Sidwell – August 19, 2018