Families of Grenfell Tower fire victims say TV drama on tragedy is 'too hurtful'

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72 people were killed in the fire at Grenfell Tower (Image: PA)
72 people were killed in the fire at Grenfell Tower (Image: PA)

A TV series about the Grenfell inferno is being shunned by the bereaved and survivors, who say the drama is “too hurtful”.

Locals want the BBC to show them a preview of the three-part drama – fearing factual inaccuracies and misrepresentation.

But many are vowing not to watch Grenfell, written and directed by BAFTA-winner Peter Kosminsky.

A petition calling on the BBC to axe it altogether has attracted over 57,000 signatures.

Shah Aghlani, whose mother and aunt died on the 18th floor of the tower, said: “Nobody has consulted me

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Families of Grenfell Tower fire victims say TV drama on tragedy is 'too hurtful'Survivors and families have said they will shun the three part series (PA)

"I won’t be watching. It is too hurtful to go through it again.

"Anything that triggers the memories is not good.”

Seventy-two people died when the fire tore through the tower, in West London, in 2017.

Families of Grenfell Tower fire victims say TV drama on tragedy is 'too hurtful'The Grenfell Memorial Wall in the grounds of Kensington Aldridge Academy (PA)

Lancaster West Residents Association chair Abbas Dadou said: “It would be good if the BBC could show it to the community first.

"If there are things not correct, they can put it right.”

The BBC says its drama provides “a comprehensive account of events”.

A spokesperson said: “We are extremely mindful of the impact that a project of this nature can have on those whose lives have been personally affected by Grenfell, and this factual drama will be made with the utmost sensitivity and respect.

Producers were in touch with many community groups and individuals before the series was announced and have interviewed a wide range of people over an extended period of time.

"Writer and director Peter Kosminsky won’t start writing until after the inquiry delivers its final report.

"The drama will draw on over five years of detailed research and will encompass the months leading up to the fire, its immediate aftermath and the period since, including the accommodation and rehousing issues faced by survivors and families.

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"It will ask how this terrible tragedy was able to occur, and what we can learn to ensure the events at Grenfell can never happen again.”

John Reynolds

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