Netflix has painted quite a picture of the late Bob Ross and his still-standing empire, and let's just say that it's missing more than a couple happy trees. The documentary, which
dives into the inner-workings of Bob Ross's personal life, has highlighted some of the more complex parts of the landscape artist's legacy—particularly when it comes to his relationship with the Kowalski family.
While Ross goes unscathed through the feature (save the details of past affairs and the fact that his afro is indeed, permed), it's the Kowalski family who's sitting under a damning light by the end. Viewers on social media took note as well.
The Kowalski family still runs and operates Bob Ross Inc. in present day, having been majority owners of the company when Ross died in 1995. The back half of the documentary alleges that a combination of legal pressure, questionable ethics, and full-on bullying may have led to their ability to control the intellectual property and branding behind Bob Ross Inc. Ross, who is still a beloved figure in pop culture, has swaths of new generation fans with no idea how complicated the situation is, and thus, we have a mob on our hands. The name on their lips is Kowalski.
The documentary suggests that over a dozen people from Ross's world have opted out of speaking publicly against the Kowalskis for fear of retaliation, but the internet is a fearless, often anonymous, place where you can fire off an angry tweet alongside a SpongeBob meme and live peacefully. The good people of social media will not the let the fires die. This was no happy accident, they insist, and they want justice.
I’m watching this Bob Ross documentary and I’m ready to fight. Where that Annette lady stay at? pic.twitter.com/5BeXJrQJMP
— Kalynn Bayron (@KalynnBayron) August 26, 2021
Watching the Bob Ross documentary on Netflix and I already want to fight. pic.twitter.com/lRTLHES4nF
— ? I just want to chill and make art ? (@kalapotatoart) August 25, 2021
Bob Ross is It’s about him
— Jazz (@jarsofjasmine) August 26, 2021
trending being exploited pic.twitter.com/wFs16oBIFt
When you find out that Bob Ross’ afro wasn’t real.
— NUFF (@nuffsaidny) August 26, 2021
They actually think Bob Ross would have faded into nothing if it weren’t for them exploiting his name & making millions of dollars on merchandise that he didn’t agree to ? pic.twitter.com/Lk2zqV9TQQ
— ?? ????? ?? (@doublemaximus) August 25, 2021
Me in my room after watching the Bob Ross doc on Netflix plotting my revenge against the Kawolskis pic.twitter.com/OIIzg6S5CC
— abby asf (@Salty_seagoll) August 26, 2021
watched the bob ross documentary ? ,,,, pic.twitter.com/0h33qbWHpr
— dev’s oscar campaigner (@DEVPAT3L) August 26, 2021
Hey @Netflix maybe you should promote Steve Ross and Dana jesters workshop in October ? The Bob Ross legacy need to continue in the right way. pic.twitter.com/otSI8O3YBL
— Serensparks? (@serenspark) August 25, 2021
The Bob Ross Netflix special made my heart sing and then cry and then vomit and I am aiming directly for the kowalskis how dare u pic.twitter.com/RqXR9JMG7T
— tasha⁷ (@peachtaesty) August 25, 2021
I was afraid "Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Greed, & Betrayal," was going to be a Joy of Painting version of Mommy Dearest. Quite the opposite. Bob was everything I had hoped, & no one should ever buy Bob Ross, Inc products & allow the thieves who stole his name to profit. #Netflixpic.twitter.com/yAt4sSI5qr
— Jen ?? (@JenBennsJourney) August 25, 2021
From:Esquire US