LDS Church slams Netflix American Primeval as dangerously misleading in portrayal of Brigham Young

Express Tribune

28-01-2025

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has criticized a recently released Netflix series, calling it 'dangerously misleading' and claiming it misrepresents LDS prophet Brigham Young.
The series *American Primeval*, which premiered on Netflix earlier this month, portrays a group of LDS pioneers struggling to survive on the American frontier during the 1857 Utah War.
One of the key events depicted in the show is the 'Mountain Meadows Massacre,' where Latter-day Saint militiamen, along with American Indian allies, killed around 120 emigrants traveling by wagon to California.
'While historical fiction can be illuminating, this drama is dangerously misleading. Brigham Young, a revered prophet and courageous pioneer, is, by any historical standard, egregiously mischaracterized as a villainous, violent fanatic. Other individuals and groups are also depicted in ways that reinforce stereotypes that are both inaccurate and harmful,' a statement from the Church read, in part.
The Church emphasized that it has long acknowledged and condemned the massacre, working to promote healing and uncover the truth surrounding the event. They also criticized the use of 'deceptive, graphic and sensationalized' storytelling, which they believe obscures reality and hinders understanding, while potentially fostering hatred and violence.
Director Peter Berg responded to criticism in an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, clarifying that the show's depiction of the Mountain Meadows Massacre is not a literal one. He explained that while the real-life event occurred over three days, the show condenses it for dramatic purposes.
'I've heard some of the pushback, but I haven't heard anyone from the Mormon side deny that the Meadows Massacre happened and that Mormons did it. I have had them express concerns that we do take other liberties,' he said.
ABC4 reached out to the team behind *American Primeval* but has not received a response as of now.
This is not the first time the Church has responded to its portrayal in media. Before the release of the A24 film *Heretic*, which depicts two missionaries subjected to trials by the character Mr. Reed, the Church issued a statement addressing its representation.
Without naming specific films or shows, the Church has acknowledged that while some portrayals are 'fair and accurate,' others rely on stereotypes or gross misrepresentations that can have real-world consequences.
'We understand the fascination some in the media have with the Church, but regret that portrayals often rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members or the sacred beliefs that they hold dear,' the Church said in a statement.