Bad news for Prince Harry and the future of his new documentary on Netflix about polo, a sport he has practiced for years.
The platform has just released the new trailer, and unfortunately, the public reception has not been the best.
This five-episode docuseries gives us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes life in the glamorous, fast-paced world of polo.
Through its lens, we follow elite players competing in the U.S. Open Polo Championship, held in Wellington, Florida.
The trailer describes the practice of the sport in an exciting way: “Imagine going on a horse at 35 miles an hour as someone is coming at you full speed.”
And to add a little more excitement, a voiceover comments, “It’s the adrenaline that goes through your body—it’s addicting.”
Another voice in the trailer assures, “Polo is not just a sport. Polo is a lifestyle. We eat, we breathe, we sleep polo.”
Why are they criticizing Prince Harry’s documentary about polo?
Despite the glamorous presentation in the trailer, the documentary, which will be released on December 10, has already begun to receive criticism due to concerns about animal cruelty.
According to reports from GBNews, the controversial sport of polo has previously come under fire from animal rights organization PETA, which has expressed alarm over the mistreatment of horses during matches.
Fans were quick to show their displeasure with this new Sussex collaboration with Netflix, citing concerns about the treatment of the horses involved.
As one fan commented, “Watching a series that glorifies animal abuse is utterly despicable. Shame on you, Netflix.”
Another user added, “This is a vile sport in terms of how they treat those animals.”
To add to the outrage, a third comment read, “This is a celebration of animal cruelty.”
There was also a fan who expressed, “It’s not unheard of for polo horses to be hit in the head by a mallet during a match. And cuts, wounds, tendon injuries, and splints are common in ‘polo ponies,’ as are oral injuries like tongue trauma. It’s a horrible sport.”
“It’s not a glamorous sport; it’s a cruel sport for the horses.”
It’s curious to see a project that Harry and Meghan have put so much effort into, in the wake of their lucrative contract with Netflix signed in 2020, now become embroiled in a controversy that could undermine their image. Only time will tell how this documentary will be received upon its release.
Polo, a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced and glamorous world of the sport, is coming to Netflix on December 10.
Follow elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the high-stakes U.S. Open Polo Championship. From executive producers Prince Harry and… pic.twitter.com/P4oaALuFA0
— Netflix (@netflix) November 21, 2024