Disney slammed for 'sickening' recreation of deadly 7/7 London terror attack

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The driver of the number 30 double-decker bus called the show
The driver of the number 30 double-decker bus called the show 'tasteless' (Image: PA)

Disney have come under fire as victims of the 7/7 London terror attacks claim they weren't told the tragedy would be re-created for a 'sickening' TV drama.

The entertainment giant has been slammed for including the bombings for up-coming show Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. On July 7 2005, 56 people were killed by the co-ordinated assault on the capital, the first ever suicide attack in the UK. Among the casualties were the four terrorists, while more than 700 were injured.

First in a number of barbaric attacks were three bombs which hit the London Underground just after 8.50am at Liverpool Street, Edgware Road and between Russell Square and King’s Cross. Then, an hour later, another bomb went off on a bus, number 30, at Tavistock Square.

Disney slammed for 'sickening' recreation of deadly 7/7 London terror attack eiqrkitriqzzinvSurvivor Daniel Biddle has slammed Disney for not consulting the victims (Wales on Sunday)

The series will be produced by Bafta-winner Jeff Pope and examines the story of the Brazilian killed by police weeks after the horrific events having been mistaken for a suspect. Pictures from the recreation show the bombed red double decker bus and people fleeing as some receive medical attention. One actor was photographed with half of his leg missing as he waited for an ambulance.

But, traumatised survivors say they weren't even consulted as film-makers were seen at the production site in Bermondsey, just two miles from one of the attacks, which killed seven people 18 years ago. Blood-splatted pavements and ripped out bus seats could also be seen.

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Victim Daniel Biddle, who lost both legs in the attack, told the Sun: "It’s absolutely shameful. I can’t ever forget 7/7 or get over it. This is a lack of respect by Disney – it’s pretty sick not to consult those who were injured or the loved ones of those who lost their lives."

He also hit out and said they have twisted the facts , calling the decision to 'zhuzh it up' by adding in extra details and branded the move as "just barbaric". George Psaradakis, the driver of the blasted number 30 bus, called it 'tasteless' and vowed not to watch.

Disney said Charles de Menezes’ family are "among those serving as consultants for the series". The show is set to hit screens next year but no launch date has been announced.

Disney slammed for 'sickening' recreation of deadly 7/7 London terror attackThe story of the aftermath is going to be retold next year (PA)

The company excitedly announced the programme's arrival last month, saying: "Disney+ today announces filming is underway on limited drama series Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes in London.

"The limited series is written and executive produced by Jeff Pope, the Oscar nominated screenwriter behind hit movies including Philomena, Stan and Ollie and the critically acclaimed, award-winning series Little Boy Blue and A Confession.

"Produced by Etta Pictures, Pope’s production label which is part of ITV Studios, it has also been confirmed that the series will be directed by BAFTA award-winning Paul Andrew Williams (A Confession; Murdered for being Different; Bull). BAFTA award-winner Kwadjo Dajan (Appropriate Adult; Mrs Biggs; Little Boy Blue) will be producing.

"Set immediately after the London bombings in 2005, the UK Original series focuses on the manhunt for a group of would-be terrorists and the tragic killing of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, after he is mistaken as a suspect. Jean Charles de Menezes’ parents and other relatives are among those serving as consultants for the series."

Sam Elliott-Gibbs

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