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Parents Television Council - Because Our Children Are Watching

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2006

PTC Denounces Toyota for its Continued and Willing Sponsorship of Graphic Content on FX's Rescue Me

LOS ANGELES (July 24, 2006) – The Parents Television Council blasted Toyota Corp. for its continued sponsorship of the FX Network's Rescue Me.  Toyota has been a regular sponsor of the show, which in the last few episodes has shown scenes of graphic rape and other explicit sexual situations, graphic violence and obscene language.

 

Content paid for by Toyota includes:

 

  • Sheila puts Viagra and date-rape drugs in Tommy's drink.  Tommy passes out from the drugs during dinner.  Sheila drags the unconscious Tommy over to the couch, removes his pants and her top and skirt, and mounts and rapes him.  Sheila gasps in pleasure as she inserts Tommy.  She rocks back and forth and places his hands on her rear, then removes her bra and places his hands on her breasts.  She sobs as she moves up and down on him and has an orgasm.  Tommy remains unconscious throughout.

  • Tommy gets into an argument with his ex-wife.  He pushes her onto the couch and rapes her.  Halfway through the assault, she begins to enjoy the rape.  Tommy leaves her house smiling.

 

The PTC has made numerous attempts to contact Toyota to see if the Rescue Me content is consistent with their corporate values.  Toyota blocked email messages from PTC members.

 

Toyota said that it feels that Rescue Me is suitable.  A phone message from a Toyota representative said that they attempt to screen content, but that it's not always clear what the episodes will look like.

 

"It is the height of corporate irresponsibility to knowingly continue to advertise on a program that glorifies rape and brutality.  Toyota's continued sponsorship of Rescue Me is a direct reflection of their corporate values.  By continuing to advertise on this program, Toyota is sending the message to consumers that they think this sort of material is appropriate for television.  Millions of families are so disgusted by this program, yet Toyota does not seem to care," said L. Brent Bozell, president of the PTC.

 

"We're contacting our over one million members so they can let Toyota know of their disgust.  We certainly hope Toyota will reconsider its sponsorship of this program."

 

To schedule an interview with a PTC representative, please contact Kelly Oliver at (703) 683-5004, ext. 140.

The Parents Television Council™ (www.parentstv.org®) is a non-partisan education organization advocating responsible entertainment. It was founded in 1995 to ensure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media. This national grassroots organization has over one million members across the United States, and works with television producers, broadcasters, networks and sponsors in an effort to stem the flow of harmful and negative messages targeted to children. The PTC also works with elected and appointed government officials to enforce broadcast decency standards. Most importantly, the PTC produces critical research and publications documenting the dramatic increase in sex, violence and profanity in entertainment. This information is provided free of charge so parents can make informed viewing choices for their own families.

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