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Ten says sorry for airing film showing close-up of man defecating

Network Ten has apologised to viewers after broadcasting a film on its digital channel that showed close up images of a man, not an actor, defecating.

The gross-out film Jackass Number Two, based on the MTV reality series, aired on Eleven from 9.30pm to 11.30pm.

The network has so far received five complaints from viewers.

In an email to Mumbrella, one viewer wrote: “The faeces are shown coming out of his backside and there are close-ups of the faeces. The man in the segment is apparently known for being able to defecate ‘on command’. Is this acceptable on Australian FTA TV? Did the network make a mistake in failing to remove this scene? Is it a breach of the TV networks’ Code of Practise?”

A clip of the scene has been removed by YouTube.

Ten sent the following statement to Mumbrella:

Under the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, films are required to be classified according to the National Classification Board Guidelines. The Classification Board, which is an independent statutory body, makes decisions that broadcasters are obliged to follow. The Board deemed Jackass II appropriate for MA 15+. Our classification and consumer advice reflected that.

The Jackass films are known for “pushing the boundaries”. Network Ten apologies to any viewers who were offended by the content of Jackass II.

According to the broadcasting code of practice, “A program segment will not be acceptable where the subject matter serves largely or wholly as a vehicle for gratuitous, exploitative or demeaning portrayal of sexual activity or nudity.”

It also states, “Be aware that some behaviour in a ‘real’ context has more impact than in a fictional setting. For example, sexual behaviour in a reality context may be ‘R’ or ‘X’ rated because it is real activity not actors simulating in a drama. It is always considered that non-simulated material will be more impactful.”

Jackass Number Two launched in 2006. It was the sequel to the 2002 release, Jackass: The Movie.

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