Egypt Slams Netflix Series Over Cleopatra’s Race

Cleopatra had “white skin and Hellenistic characteristics,” Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities insisted Thursday in an ongoing debate about a Netflix series in which the ancient leader is depicted by a Black actress. The upcoming drama-documentary, , stars Adele James as the beautiful historic monarch. That casting decision has provoked a backlash in Egypt, where people have accused the streaming service of rewriting history. In a statement, the antiquities ministry said “Bas-reliefs and statues of Queen Cleopatra are the best proof” that she was white. Mostafa Waziri, head of...