Netflix has come under criticism for shocking British viewers with a fully erect penis in a new show.
People are outraged when the six-part series A guy In Full’s climax revealed a guy, er, in full, breaking a major taboo on mainstream television.
Actor Tom Pelphrey, who plays Raymond Peepgrass in the film version of Tom Wolfe’s 1998 novel, strips down after taking Viagra and revealing himself to real estate billionaire Charlie Croker, played by Jeff Daniels.
It is believed to be the first time a popular drama has featured a ‘erect penis’ on British television, with no warning about the graphic nudity.
Netflix is now facing new issues about how streaming services are controlled and what content is considered suitable 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, Mary Killen, a Spectator journalist and Gogglebox star, maintained that there is already “too much” violent sexual imagery 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 does not provide any further specific recommendations, and there is no explicit prohibition against showing an erect penis on TV, though British broadcasters have traditionally avoided doing so.
Netflix has voluntarily signed up with the British Board of Film Classification, and A Man In Full has received 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.’
