Reality Rape TV?

By Peter Teague . Posted December 21, 2006.

This is the worst idea ever. The BBC is planning on airing a "reality" show about a rape trial. Basically, the show will recreate a rape trial and then have 12 celebrity jurors reach a verdict. Cause what's more fun and entertaining than rape?

Understandably, some folks are a little concerned:

…the inclusion on the jury of the likes of former MP turned perjurer, Jeffrey Archer, and Stan Collymore, the former footballer involved in well-publicised domestic violence and "dogging" incidents, has already sparked concern about the motives of the programme-makers from rape charities and support groups.

Even better is the fictionalized story the jurors are supposed to be judging:

The case involves a young woman called Anna Crane from Epsom, who goes to see the musical Chicago with her best friend in London.

After the show they wind up in a hotel cocktail bar where the friend spots celebrity footballer Damien Scott and his friend, a less successful player called James Greer. They retire to Scott's suite where one of two things happens to Anna Crane: either she has consensual sex with Scott or she is gang-raped. Both defendants plead not guilty.

Crane decides not to go to the police. Instead, her best friend sells the story of her alleged rape to a Sunday newspaper for £30,000 and covertly tapes Anna describing the assaults. This tape was played in court to the celebrity jury who have to make up their minds as to whether it is a harrowing confession or a fake tape concocted by two money-grabbing girls. (Emphasis added)

Because trivializing rape through a celebrity reality show just wasn't enough--depicting violence against women wouldn't be complete without giving credence to the idea that women make up rape charges for cold hard cash. Classy.

Complaints can be made to the BBC here, or by writing to Anthony Salz, Acting BBC Chair, BBC Complaints, PO Box 1922, Glasgow, G1 3WT.

              

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Jessica Valenti is the executive editor of Feministing.

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