Netflix has come under fire after British viewers were caught unawares by a fully erect penis in a new drama.
People are up in arms after the finale of six-part series A Man In Full featured a man, er, in full as the show broke mainstream TV’s big taboo.
Actor Tom Pelphrey, who stars as Raymond Peepgrass in the adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s 1998 novel, strips off after his character takes Viagra and reveals himself to real estate mogul Charlie Croker, played by Jeff Daniels.
It’s thought to be the first time a mainstream drama has shown an ‘erect penis’ on British TV, while there was no warning about the graphic nudity.
Now, Netflix is facing fresh concerns about how streaming services are regulated, and what is deemed appropriate on screen.
Anne Atkins, who appears on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, asked: ‘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.’
Meanwhile, Spectator columnist and Gogglebox star Mary Killen insisted there is ‘too much already’ when it comes to graphic sexual images in dramas.
‘There is too much already and it is reducing us to no better than barnyard animals,’ she said, claiming it threatens to take away ‘some of life’s magic’.
MPs have also criticised the scene, with Tory MP Sara Britcliffe pointing out: ‘Streaming services are available at any time of day, so watershed protection doesn’t apply.’
Reviewing the film on Google, one viewer complained: ‘A big erect willy seemed to desperately seek attention. Disappointing.’
Another praised the ‘gifted’ cast but insisted the content itself was ‘truly filthy’, adding: ‘I’m no delicate flower, but no thanks. I’m out.’
According to Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code, scenes including sex and nudity must either be aired post watershed, or not easily accessibly by children, while exceptions to this ‘must be justified by the context’.
The code doesn’t give any other clear guidelines, and there is also no explicit ban on an erect penis being shown on screen, although British broadcasters have typically avoided doing so.
Netflix has voluntarily signed up to the British Board of Film Classification, with A Man In Full being given a 15 rating.
This includes a warning for ‘sex, language, sex reference, sexual images, injury detail’, but there is no specific warning about the content in question.
According to the BBFC: ‘Sexualised nudity may be permitted, but graphic detail should be brief and justified by context.’
The board adds: ‘Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without graphic detail. There may be strong sex references, but frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
‘Content that, when taken as a whole, has the primary purpose of sexual arousal is unacceptable.’
Regarding legislative changes, Netflix has said: ‘We have consistently supported introducing a Media Bill and proposals to bring Netflix and other streaming services under Ofcom in the UK.’
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Metro.co.uk has contacted Netflix for comment.
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