TV3 rejects call to pull R-rated film
Family First has called for TV3 to pull a primetime screening of Fifty Shades of Grey this weekend, saying the raunchy flick “normalises and glamorises sexual violence”.
TV3 says the screening is going ahead, albeit with edited content and viewer warnings.
The film, which was rated R18 at the time of its theatrical release in New Zealand in 2014, is scheduled to screen at 8.30pm on Sunday.
The film is an adaptation of a bestselling book and stars Dakota Johnson, a “sexually inexperienced woman” who begins a relationship with a powerful businessman played by Jamie Dornan.
The Fifty Shades book series by E.L. James and the film have been wildly popular.
But Family First has called for TV3 to pull the plug on the screening, and wants viewers to boycott businesses that advertise during the film.
“The premise of the movie is that a woman who is humiliated, abused, controlled, entrapped, coerced, manipulated and tortured is somehow an ‘ empowered’ woman,” said Bob McCoskrie, national director of Family First.
“And a man who is possessive, controlling, violent, jealous and coercive is somehow showing ‘ true love’.
“These are foul and dangerous lies. This movie and the book it is based on simply glamorises sexual violence and should be rejected by everyone who is concerned about family and sexual violence.”
A TV3 spokesperson told the Herald the film had been “edited for television”, was playing in an Adults Only timeslot and included a content warning at the start of the film.
“TV3 is fully committed to its responsibilities as a Free To Air broadcaster, and is airing this film in accordance with them,” the spokesperson said. But McCoskrie said the network couldn’t guarantee that people under the age of 18 wouldn’t see the film, so shouldn’t be broadcasting it. “It is time we pointed the finger at the entertainment media’s role in promoting the attitudes which are destructive to our families,” said McCoskrie.
“TV3 are counteracting the determined efforts in NZ to eliminate sexual violence and support of victims and families.”
A sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey, titled Fifty Shades Darker, is due for release at the cinemas on February 9.