When Adolescence arrived on Netflix earlier this year, it ignited conversation on multiple matters, a few of which were the growing cases of knife crime, the functioning of incel culture, and the makers' distorting facts in the offering. The narrative of moulding truth, mainly centered on the viral race swap theory, was addressed by the show’s writer recently.

While the creative had quashed the claim in the past as well, this time he tried providing insights on how facts can be twisted in today’s day and age, and how the racial profiling of the show with such intense themes solely corroborated the point it was trying to convey. 

Hearing the writer speak on the matter is significant as it explores how not every chatter online is necessarily true.

Jack Thorne, the writer of Adolescence, on December 2, addressed the race-swap theory that circulated alongside the show’s release. He explained how claims suggesting the series changed a real-life Black perpetrator to a white character were baseless, noting the conspiracy reflected the very online distortions the drama critiques.

Speaking at Content London, according to Variety, he stressed how quickly misinformation spread, saying people repeated unverified claims about the drama “like they were facts.” He also noted that UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accepting the theory “speaks to her algorithm” and mirrors the show’s themes about belief systems shaped by digital feeds. “We are in a situation where what we are fed is what we believe,” he added.

For the record, Elon Musk was also among those fueling the racial swap theory when Adolescence released, saying via X that it promotes an anti-white agenda. Jack Thorne, meanwhile, clarified in the past that the show was not based on any one crime.

Adolescence eventually won over viewers worldwide and became an awards circuit favorite, securing multiple Emmy Awards, Gotham TV Awards, National Television Awards, and more. While Jack Thorne still deals with the ghost of Adolescence’s made-up racial swap controversy, the show’s director, who received much acclaim for his one-shot vision for it, appears to have moved on.

What Is the True Story Behind Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’? Is It Based on Real Life?

Phil Barantini, the helmer of the Netflix effort in discussion, collaborated with Ed Sheeran on his musical film, also filmed in a single shot, as the singer moved through New York.

Phil Barantini revealed that when he was first contacted to work on Ed Sheeran's dream project, he denied. Barantini shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that he thought the offer was a scam at first.

After verifying the credibility of the gig, however, Barantini opted to give it a shot, as the work required him to step out of his comfort zone of making films and dramas in a single take and experiment with it on the streets. Being a fan of the 'Shape of You' singer also made his decision-making process easier, he divulged.

Whether it is Phil Barantini moving on or Jack Thorne still defending Adolescence, one thing is clear: Even months after its release, the show continues to make waves, keeping those involved with it firmly in the spotlight. This speaks volumes about how a production with enduring themes and innovative techniques can spark a lasting cultural impact both in Hollywood and the general world.

‘Adolescence’ vs ‘Monsters’: Which Netflix Murder Thriller Could Win Emmy 2025 Best Limited Series?

What do you think about Jack Thorne’s latest statement on the racial swap? Let us know in the comments.