The Opposite of Pornography

Skins creator Bryan Elsley has insisted that the MTV series is not trying to be provocative. The show has been the centre of controversy recently after the Parents Television Council called for an investigation into allegations that the programme breaks child pornography laws.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Elsley said that he does not plan to tone down the show's content because he wants it to remain authentic. "The show is the opposite of pornography," he added. "It isn't us who are being provocative. I think that some of the people who object to the show are being provocative in the use of that word."

Much of the controversy has focused on an upcoming episode in which Chris, who is played by 17-year-old Jesse Carere, uses erectile dysfunction pills and runs down a street naked.

However, Elsley explained that the scene needs to be taken in context, saying: "It's about a boy who is abandoned by his mother. How he deals with that and how his friends come to realise that this happy-go-lucky boy has led an incredibly sad and fractured life." Elsley acknowledged that some viewers might find the show "difficult or objectionable" but explained that he is worried that the show's more serious storylines are being ignored in the controversy.


Meanwhile, MTV has announced that it will not cancel its controversial remake of Skins. The second episode of the teen drama attracted just 1.6 m viewers, down from the 3.3m who watched the first installment. Six companies have also pulled their advertising from the show following the Parents Television Council's allegations that it breaks child pornography laws.

To that end, PETA has reportedly offered to sponsor the under-fire show. The Hollywood Reporter says that PETA has now offered to air a 30-second commercial during the show. The organisation said: "In light of the uproar surrounding the explicit content of MTV's new teen drama Skins, and the show's resultant loss of sponsors, PETA is offering the network a chance to get some positive media attention as well as save animals' skins."

The network's statement continued: "MTV stands by the US adaptation of Skins and the vision of its creator Bryan Elsley. Skins has earned the loyalty of fans across the globe for its thoughtful and honest portrayal of teen life today. An internationally acclaimed scripted drama, the show has been honored with a long list of prestigious awards."

An MTV spokesperson also confirmed that all ten commissioned episodes will be broadcast. The channel previously claimed that all episodes of Skins "not only comply with all applicable legal requirements, but also with our responsibilities to our viewers".