'13 Reasons Why' Graphic Scene Showing How Hannah Killed Herself Removed By Netflix, Upsetting Fans

Netflix's original series 13 Reasons Why will no longer include a graphic scene in which depicts the protagonist Hannah Baker committing suicide. The scene, which aired during the Season 1 finale episode, sparked controversy among parental and suicide prevention groups when it originally released in 2017, and now ahead of the series Season 3 premiere, the streaming giant revealed show creator Brian Yorkey's plans to remove it entirely on all platforms.

We've heard from many young people that 13 Reasons Why encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help—often for the first time. As we prepare to launch Season 3 later this summer, we've been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show. So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, we've decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers of 13 Reasons Why to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from Season 1," Netflix said in a statement on Monday.

The controversial scene originally showcased how Hannah, played by Katherine Langford, killed herself before her parents found her lifeless body in a bathroom. The edited version will no longer include the details of how the teenager took her life but rather cut from a scene of Hannah looking in the mirror to the moments her parents discover what has happened to their daughter.

The disturbing scene resulted in backlash from censorship advocacy groups including the Parents Television Council, who called for Netflix to delay Season 2 of the series in 2018 while encouraging the streaming network to do more research on the "harmful" effects that stemmed from displaying teen suicide on television.

Yorkey released a personal statement in regards to the show edit as well on Monday and explained the scene was only ever included to help reveal the truth about the "horrors" of suicide.

"It was our hope, in making 13 Reasons Why into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us," Yorkey wrote in a message shared on Twitter. "Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in Season 1 was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it."

Yorkey elaborated on the production team's decision to follow the guidance of Mouteir and other medical professionals by re-editing the Season 1 finale and noted they would take additional measures of removing the scene from pirated versions on other streaming sites across the internet as well.

"No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers," Yorkey concluded.

While some applauded Netflix for finally removing the gruesome scene, there were others that felt deleting it took away from the show's authenticity and the seriousness of suicide. Some fans suggested the scene did not glamorize suicide at all but exposed the truths of how distressing the act is for all people involved.

There were others who felt the show didn't go far enough in removing traumatizing content and advocated for the show to edit out the graphic scene of Tyler's (Devin Druid) rape in Season 2 as well.

See a few reactions to the edited 13 Reasons Why Season 1 finale below.

If you have thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available for free at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24 hours, every day.