Peacock Scrutinizes WWE Content Library, Removing Racist Segments

Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, is currently undertaking a significant review and revision of its extensive WWE content library, actively removing segments deemed to contain racist or otherwise problematic material. This initiative follows Peacock’s acquisition of exclusive rights to the WWE Network in January, bringing with it a vast collection of over 17,000 hours of programming, including classic matches, original series, and premier pay-per-view events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam.

The decision to vet the WWE library reflects a growing awareness and sensitivity towards issues of racial representation and cultural appropriateness in media. Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that Peacock is meticulously combing through WWE’s archives, identifying and removing content that contains racially insensitive or offensive material.

Among the segments reportedly removed is a 1990 appearance by the late Roddy Piper during WrestleMania VI. In this segment, Piper appeared with half of his face painted black, delivering a statement that has since been widely criticized as racially insensitive. Piper stated, "I can stand here, and I can be Black! I can be white! Don’t make no difference to me. … It’s what’s inside." This comment was prefaced by a reference to Bad News Brown, a Black wrestler, being "proud to be from Harlem."

Another instance of problematic content reportedly excised from the WWE library is a 2005 segment featuring WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. During this segment, McMahon allegedly used the n-word. In the past, a WWE spokesperson defended the segment as "an outlandish and satirical skit involving fictional characters, similar to that of many scripted television shows and movies." However, such defenses have become increasingly untenable in the current social climate.

While a Peacock spokesperson declined to comment directly on the specific instances of removed content, they confirmed that the WWE library is currently undergoing a thorough vetting process, alongside other content on the service. The spokesperson also emphasized that all content on Peacock is rated according to a parental guidelines system, ensuring viewers are informed about potentially sensitive material. The company has not clarified whether it is removing individual segments or entire episodes that contain offensive material. The ultimate decision likely depends on the severity and pervasiveness of the problematic content within each specific instance.

WWE content is readily accessible on Peacock through a dedicated hub, allowing subscribers to easily navigate the extensive collection. Access to this content is included as part of the Peacock Premium tier, priced at $5 per month. For viewers seeking an ad-free experience, the service offers a Premium Plus plan for $10 per month.

When Peacock initially announced its partnership with WWE, Rick Cordella, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at Peacock, lauded WWE’s ability to tap into cultural trends and create larger-than-life characters. He expressed enthusiasm about making Peacock the exclusive home for the WWE Network and its substantial fanbase across the United States.

Peacock’s decision to remove problematic content from its WWE library aligns with a growing trend among streaming services and media companies to address historical instances of racism and cultural insensitivity in their catalogs. Other platforms have taken similar steps to ensure their content reflects contemporary values and standards.

Disney+, for example, has removed several titles from its kids profiles that contain outdated or problematic depictions, including classic films like Dumbo and Peter Pan. The platform also displays disclaimers on certain content, acknowledging that it "is presented as originally created" and "may contain outdated cultural depictions."

"Stark Raving Dad," a 1991 episode of The Simpsons featuring the voice of Michael Jackson, has also been removed from Disney+’s catalog. This episode had previously been pulled from syndication and home media releases following the release of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, which detailed allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson.

In another notable example, HBO Max initially removed the classic film Gone With the Wind from its platform after facing criticism for its romanticized portrayal of the antebellum South and its racist depictions of Black characters. The film was subsequently reinstated with a disclaimer and a discussion of its historical context, acknowledging the problematic elements within the film while preserving its original form. HBO Max stated that "to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed." This approach highlights the complexities of addressing historical content that contains problematic elements while also recognizing its significance in cultural history.

Netflix has also taken action to remove content deemed racially insensitive. The streaming giant removed four Chris Lilley shows in Australia and New Zealand due to their racial depictions, as well as the British comedy series Little Britain for its use of blackface sketches.

The actions taken by Peacock, Disney+, HBO Max, and Netflix demonstrate a collective effort to confront and address issues of racism and cultural insensitivity in media. While the specific approaches may vary, the underlying goal is to ensure that content reflects contemporary values and promotes a more inclusive and equitable viewing experience. The process of vetting and revising content libraries is ongoing, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement and a recognition of the evolving nature of cultural norms and sensitivities. The removal of problematic content, coupled with the addition of disclaimers and contextual information, represents a multi-faceted approach to addressing the complex legacy of historical media and its impact on contemporary audiences. The ongoing dialogue and scrutiny surrounding these issues are crucial for fostering greater awareness and promoting more responsible and representative content creation in the future.