By Sheila Mckenzie-
Gogglebox are on the receiving end of multiple Ofcom complaints over the screening of an attempted suicide scene.
The popular Channel 4 series which returned two weeks ago as upset hundreds of viewers, but just 92 of them have complained. It follows clips of a new Sky drama starring Jude Law, has led sparked uproar.
The complaints to broadcasting watchdog have continued to rise after the series featured the stars watching a harrowing scene.
The scene in question featured a young girl attempting suicide – causing shock to viewers, who complained to the watchdog. Many viewers felt the topic of suicide is too sensitive to be used for an programme of entertainment , given the number of people who commit suicide in the Uk every year.
Suicide is the biggest single killer of men under the age of 45 in the Uk and accounts for over 6,000 deaths every year. Unemployment, loneliness, and depression are one of the leading causes of suicide.
Ofcom has confirmed it has received complaints from viewers. Gogglebox favourites the Malone family, Jenny and Lee, Izzi and Ellie, and the Siddiqui family, were all seen watching the scene.
One viewer wrote: “Really shocked & upset by the suicide attempt clip shown on Gogglebox yesterday.
“I don’t believe there were sufficient warnings about it after coming back from the ad break or at the start. Channel 4 are usually so good at highlighting issues with programs.”
Another wrote: “So I’ve just done my first ever @Ofcom complaint about #Gogglebox last night.
“That hanging scene was so horrendous, distressing and so unnecessary on a light entertainment show.
“Suicide is such a MASSIVE issue and @Channel4 were completely wrong to show that clip. Shame on you.”
A third wrote: “Tonight’s show should have had an explicit suicide trigger warning – ‘scenes some viewers might find upsetting’ really isn’t good enough.
The show received a number of complaints last week following comments made by the Michael family in relation to pandemic. During that episode, Louis complained about young people being blamed for the rise in cases of the virus and suggested that the “small group” most at risk of dying should self-isolate at home.
“Also it should be their choice because if they’re aware of the risks and they are aware of the statistics then it should be their choice whether they isolate or not,” added his sister Alex.
“But to make everyone else put their lives on hold, it’s ridiculous.” Complainants accused the show of being selfish. The show also received 134 complaints in April for breaking social distancing rules.
Media commentator Yvonne Thompson, told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”Most of the complaints are not clear cut, and simply a matter of opinion”.
Channel 4 have been approached for comment.
Image: Channel 4