Netflix postpones Gary Glitter documentary as trailer is pulled from YouTube

Netflix has announced it's postponing its documentary about disgraced pop star Gary Glitter as the trailer is pulled from YouTube.

The streamer previously shared that it had commissioned a three-part documentary titled Hunting Gary Glitter from director Sebastian Smith. The doc was due to land on the platform on 14 October, but a Netflix spokesperson has now confirmed that they would "pause" the release due to "new legal information" coming to light.

A representative for Netflix confirmed to Digital Spy: "We have made the decision to pause the release of Hunting Gary Glitter (originally due to launch 14 October). This follows new legal information we recently became aware of. We're not able to share further detail at this time, but we'll provide an update as soon as we're in a position to do so."

Glitter (real name Paul Gadd) who is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence, is awaiting trial after being charged earlier this summer with four historical sex offences. He has pleaded not guilty.

In 2023, he was briefly released from prison after serving half his sentence, but was recalled the following month for breaching his licence conditions.

A trailer for Netflix's Hunting Gary Glitter was released last week, though the streaming giant has now removed it from its YouTube channel.

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.

Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).