Cuts demanded in Keira Knightley's anti-domestic violence advert

Censors are refusing to allow an advertising campaign against domestic violence featuring Keira Knightley to be shown in full on television.


Clearcast, the company which censors adverts on behalf of Ofcom, has reportedly ruled that scenes showing the star of Atonement and Pirates of the Caribbean being thrown to the ground and kicked must be removed before it can be broadcast.

The advert, made by the charity Women's Aid, has been shown in cinemas and viewed more than a million times on the internet.

The Cut, it shows Knightley returning home from shooting a new film to be confronted by her boyfriend, who accuses her of having an affair. He then attacks her and she is last seen being kicked repeatedly while lying on the floor. It is this last scene that has been deemed too shocking for a television audience.

Women's Aid said it felt the film was justified as it portrayed the reality of domestic violence.

"We were very careful to reflect what we had heard from anecdotal evidence. We have put this forward to Clearcast, with statistics from the Home Office, and other material," said Lucy Brown, of the charity.

Sandra Horely, the chief executive of Refuge, which gives women and children escaping from domestic violence a place to stay, condemned the decision.

"It seems pathetic. It is really important to raise awareness about domestic violence, and TV gets into people's homes," she said.

"Many women who are victims of domestic violence are isolated by their partner, and in these situations TV is very helpful. It is also a great way to reach the public and raise awareness of the issue."

The advert was due to be shown on television this month.

Chris Hirst, managing director of Grey London Advertising Agency, said: "The reason we are still in conversation with Clearcast about it is because they believe it is too violent.

"Part of the point of the campaign is to raise awareness about domestic violence and spark debate, which the advert has done, even if it doesn't make it on to TV."

Fonte: http://www.telegraph.co.uk