Outrage over Netflix’s new Black-led docudrama about Cleopatra has led to an Egyptian broadcaster promising to create its own high-end documentary about the historic figure. Their anger stems from the contested nature of Queen Cleopatra’s racial identity. In the Netflix series, the ancient monarch is portrayed by Black British actor Adele James.

The Al Wathaeqya channel – a subsidiary of Egypt’s state-affiliated United Media Services – announced the start of production for its very own Queen Cleopatra documentary. The broadcaster says the production will be based on the “utmost levels” of accuracy and research. The Al Wathaeqya channel claims that the docudrama is a ‘falsification’ of Egypt’s history.

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There has been uproar in Egypt ever since the first trailer for Queen Cleopatra released. Netflix disabled comments on the trailer as it turned hostile. Jada Pinkett Smith is the producer and narrator, and Iranian-born Tina Gharavi is the director.

Egyptian archaeologist, Zahi Hawass, announced earlier this week, the release of a documentary on Queen Cleopatra. “Was Cleopatra black? First of all, I have nothing against black people, but I am stating facts,” said Hawass. “Look at the Macedonian queens, none of them were black,” he argued.

There is an online petition, Stop the Cleopatra documentary on Netflix for historical falsification. It has over 40,000 signatures.

Some ‘people need Cleopatra to be white’

The Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt – a government entity that oversees heritage – complained on social media that ancient statues of Queen Cleopatra “confirm that she has Hellenistic (Greek) features”. They say this is distinguished by “light skin, a drawn-out nose and thin lips”.

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Tina Gharavi asked why some people “need Cleopatra to be white?” during her op-ed piece on Variety last month. She was defending the casting of the docudrama:

Perhaps it’s not just that I’ve directed a series that portrays Cleopatra as Black, but that I have asked Egyptians to see themselves as Africans, and they are furious at me for that

Media reports say Netflix has repeatedly declined to comment.

Historic findings show that Cleopatra belonged to the Macedonian dynasty of the Lagids. They are descendants of the general, Ptolemy I Soter, who became the ruler of Egypt when Alexander the Great divided his empire.

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The legendary queen was born around 69 BC. And while it is certain she was a great beauty, her appearance and skin colour remain largely unclear.