HBO Max Removes ‘Gone With the Wind’ From Library

HBO Max has removed the 1939 film “Gone With the Wind” from its library in the wake of protests over the death of George Floyd.

The removal comes after a Los Angeles Times op-ed called for the film to be taken down as it perpetuates racial stereotypes and glorifies the antebellum South.

Starring Vivienne Leigh, Clark Gable, Hattie McDaniel and Olivia de Havilland, “Gone With the Wind” takes place on a plantation outside Atlanta after the American Civil War. It tells the love story of Scarlett O’Hara (Leigh), the daughter of a plantation owner, and Rhett Butler (Gable), a fellow Southern aristocrat.

The film went on to win eight Academy Awards, including best picture, best actress for Leigh, best director for Victor Fleming and best supporting actress for McDaniel, who was the first Black person to ever win the award.

Upon its release, “Gone With the Wind” broke theater attendance records and was the highest-grossing film of all time to that point. It still holds the record when adjusted for inflation. However, despite being considered one of the greatest films of all time, some film commentators have since criticized its depiction of slavery and Black people.

Following Floyd’s death and nationwide protests against the oppression of Black rights and police violence, greater scrutiny has been given to some TV shows featuring police, like “Live PD” and “Cops,” which was canceled at Paramount Network on Tuesday.

Variety has reached out to HBO Max for comment.