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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Benjamin Lee

New TV documentary criticised for graphic Robin Williams suicide scenes

The Channel 5 documentary includes a 'harrowing reconstruction' of the actor's death.
The Channel 5 documentary includes a ‘harrowing reconstruction’ of the actor’s death. Photograph: AP

Britain’s Channel 5 has come under fire for its soon-to-be-aired documentary about the death of Robin Williams as initial reports have suggested it features a “graphic” reconstruction of the actor’s suicide.

The forthcoming episode of Autopsy, a show which focuses on the tragic deaths of celebrities, will feature a lookalike of the actor, played by adult movie star Alain Robin. In the past, the show has covered the deaths of Michael Jackson and Michael Hutchence.

“While the depiction is kept to the absolute minimum and not dwelt upon, its inclusion is important in telling the truth,” a spokesperson for the show said. “The film celebrates Robin’s career and talent, and within that the tragic details of his death are part of that story.”

Robin Williams was found dead at his California home last August. His daughter Zelda recently spoke out about his death and when asked why she believed her father took his own life, she said: “I don’t think there’s a point. It’s not important to ask.”

Autopsy: The Last Hours Of Robin Williams will be shown on Channel 5 on 22 April at 9pm.

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