Netflix under fire over ‘low-grade porn’ scene that broke last TV taboo
NETFLIX was heavily criticised last night after British viewers were confronted with a fully erect penis in its new drama.
Viewers, MPs and schools campaigners were shocked at the closing episode of the streaming giant’s six-part series A Man In Full.
Actor Tom Pelphrey drops his bedsheet after taking Viagra to reveal himself to co-star Jeff Daniels in the adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s best-selling 1998 novel.
It is believed to be the first time a mainstream drama on British TV has broken the ‘erect penis’ taboo – and there was no prior warning about graphic nudity.
It has highlighted worries about regulation of streaming services, with concern that children are at risk. Netflix is already under fire
‘A glance down would have done far more’
over its drama Baby Reindeer for failing to protect the identity of a stalker who inspired the story.
Spectator columnist Mary Killen said: ‘I don’t want to see graphic sexual images when I’m watching a drama. There is too much already and it is reducing us to no better than barnyard animals.’
The Gogglebox contributor added: ‘Viewers shouldn’t be forced to see pornography. This trend will end in tears as it’s depressing, unmysterious and taking away some of life’s magic.’
Writer Anne Atkins, a contributor to Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, said: ‘Where are the boundaries now, Netflix? A visibly erect penis is not only revolting to many normal viewers but artistically completely unnecessary: a glance down, a raised eyebrow would have done far more.’
Watchdog Ofcom’s rules effectively discourage UK broadcasters from showing such a scene – but Netflix, with its European HQ in Amsterdam, is beyond the regulator’s Broadcasting Code.
Tory MP Alexander Stafford said: ‘If Netflix is serving up this sort of low-grade, pornographic rubbish, we need to give Ofcom full oversight of the streaming giant’s output as soon as possible.’ Fellow Tory MP Sara Britcliffe added: ‘Streaming services are available at any time of day, so watershed protection doesn’t apply.’
Safe Schools Alliance’s Tanya Carter said: ‘Yet again we are questioning why the Government is failing to act on this multi-fronted assault on childhood.’
Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code states sex and nudity scenes must be after the watershed and not be easily accessible to children.
There are no other clear guidelines about nudity and there is no explicit ban on the depiction of an erect penis – but, because of the other rules, British broadcasters have fought shy of showing it.
The Government plans new legislation and a code which must be followed by all streamers operating in the UK. Streamers could be fined up to £250,000 or be restricted if they break the rules.
Netflix is voluntarily signed up to the British Board of Film Classification and A Man In Full has been given a 15 rating.
The series is accompanied by a warning for ‘sex, language, sex reference, sexual images, injury detail’ but has no clear warning about content beyond that.
Netflix said: ‘We have consistently supported introducing a Media Bill and proposals to bring Netflix and other streaming services under Ofcom in the UK.’