13 Reasons Why season 4: Fans furious over ‘potentially traumatic’ plot twist

Some fans felt the moment missed an opportunity to educate viewers on an important subject

Viewers of 13 Reasons Why are upset with a “bothersome” plot twist in the Netflix drama’s final season.

The show returned for its final 10 episodes on Friday (5 June), with fans hoping for a satisfying conclusion to the controversial adaptation of Jay Asher’s novel.

However, those who rushed through the season were quick to express their fury over a certain moment involving a fan favourite character.

*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*

The Netflix has found itself at the centre of controversy following the release of every season to date, and it’s looking like the same could happen again with this new one.

Fans have taken exception to a twist in the final ever episode, which results in the death of Justin Foley (Brandon Flynn).

After beginning with a flashforward to a funeral of one of the characters, viewers are left guessing who will die all season long.

*One final spoiler warning*

It turns out that Justin, who is a recovering heroin addict, dies after contracting HIV, which develops into AIDS.

One scene sees doctors attribute Justin’s contraction to his use of a syringe as well as his time as a sex worker while living on the streets, which left fans deeply unimpressed.

“So y’all fo real going to give the recovered heroin addict AIDS? Then have him die from it? Once again F***,” one angry viewer wrote.

“You had a character that struggled with drug addiction + homelessness FINALLY gets a loving family and a shot at a bright future and you... kill him off with AIDS??? ARE YOU SERIOUS?????” another wrote.

One viewer criticised the turn of events as “bothersome and potentially traumatic”.

“Your HIV/AIDS story line with Justin, the ONE character with a truly redeemable arc on this show, would have been a great opportunity to show HIV/AIDS isn’t a death sentence in the 21st century,” another person tweeted.

The new season of 13 Reasons Why is available to stream on Netflix