Chris Evans’ A Starting Point series on the Middle East slammed as ‘grotesque’

Chris Evans’ A Starting Point announced a new series, which has got people asking questions (Picture: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

Chris Evans has received criticism after his media organisation, A Starting Point, announced its series on the Middle East.

Influence And Power In The Middle East is a six-part series that will chart US foreign policy in the region; announced amid the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, which then saw the Taliban take control of all major cities after 20 years.

According to Deadline, A Starting Point’s series will chart American’s presence in the region through four administrations, with panelists sharing their insight with guest host former CIA Operative and Texas Congressman Will Hurd, including former UN Ambassador John Bolton, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Saudi Arabia Ambassador Joseph Westphal, and former Yemen Ambassador Barbara Bodine.

Many have called out A Starting Point – the civic media organisation created by Chris, actor/filmmaker Mark Kassen and entrepreneur Joe Kiani – following the news, as social media users pointed out a lack of Middle East and North African (MENA) voices.

Reacting to the news, many asked the organisation whether the series would feature MENA voices, with one suggesting ‘to have an entirely white panel feels reductionist and diminishing’.

Roxana Hadidi wrote: ‘That chris evans CIA propaganda show is hella grotesque. aside from the DISTINCT lack of MENA voices, you’re really booking JOHN BOLTON, the man who has for decades frothed at the idea of war with iran, to be the main speaker on the country? BOTH SIDES, huh? what a goddamn joke. [sic]’

He’s yet to respond publicly (Picture: Vera Anderson/WireImage)

Another wrote on Twitter: ‘I am asking y’all to not release the series on the middle east, now is not the time to amplify white voices, especially giving the spotlight to a former cia operative, please do better. [sic]’

Responding to the backlash, one supporter offered: ‘It is important to remember that ASP was designed and implemented to provide “a starting point” for robust conversation and understanding. We’re not always going to like what is being said but there is a greater need for us to learn and unite.’

Another defended the series, adding: ‘Sorry but if people are unable to listen to both sides of a discussion, they shouldn’t be discussing politics period. It’s a great initiative and it’s sure as hell doing more to educate the teen generation than school ever does.’

More: US TV news

While Chris is yet to publicly comment on the backlash, others mused it was ‘interesting timing’ as the series announcement coincided with the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan after 20 years.

In the wake of the withdrawal, Taliban forces have swiftly taken control of all major cities, with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fleeing the country today as the group entered Kabul.

Influence And Power In The Middle East is scheduled to premiere August 30.

Metro.co.uk reached out to A Starting Point for comment.

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