The Verdict- one step too far for reality TV?

The new BBC reality programme, The Verdict seems to have created a heated debate amongst critics and feminists alike in the last few days. The show is that of a fictional rape trial, with celebrities as the 'jury'. With the controversy that followed the racism on Celebrity Big Brother, the decision to air this programme must not have been taken lightly by BBC bosses. Yet yesterday, many people protested outside the BBC amid concerns that The Verdict 'sidelines the victim, trivialises and sensationalises rape'. This can hardly be positive feedback for the BBC.

The Verdict centres on a controversial rape trial, yet viewers are keen to discover the opinions of their favourite celebrity 'juror'. The panel includes the likes of Michael Portillo, Stan Collymore, Patsy Palmer, Jeffrey Archer( a lively bunch, then!) and discussions in between the court room scenes are eye opening if only to discover that there still exists many preconceptions of rape victims- the stereotypical response of ' they asked for it', ' she was provokative' being the main phrases exercised over lunch.

Johan Hari's column in the Independent regarding this programme highlights the general attitude of the jury, commenting that, 'and as we watch the "jury" discuss the case, spewing out antediluvian myths about rape victims with barely a splutter from the rest, it becomes clear why so many rapists walk free'.

Fewer than 1 in 100 rapists now end up behind bars, and The Verdict could potentially dissuade rape victims from going forward due to the way in which the young woman on the show is treated when giving evidence.

This is a highly sensitive issue, and one that must be treated with caution. Nevertheless, I agree with Johan Hari in that the programme plays a role in portraying how potential rape victims are currently treated during trials, and how this culture needs to be changed.

Hope for the future for Jo?

I was trying to avert from entering the 'racism' debate on Celebrity Big Brother, but having watched Jo of S Club 7 fame on GMTV briefly before leaving for work this morning, I feel inclined to wade in to the argument, so to speak!

I actually believe that Jade, Danielle and Jo were racist- whether they thought that what they were saying on the show was overtly racist or bitchy or anything else. I respect Shilpa Shetty and how she dealt with the bullying on a daily basis, because I am someone who has been a victim of bullying, and cannot imagine how Shilpa was feeling to be in the goldfish bowl that was Big Brother under such emotional strain.

Nevertheless, whereas Shilpa is even more of a star than when she first went in to the house, Jade and Co's careers have been ruined. It was embarrassing to watch Jo on TV this morning as she confessed to having received death threats, and that she is indeed fearful of returning home. The media has succeeded in ripping the lives of these people apart. Of course they should apologise, but when the media soundbites of today are long forgotten, their lives will be marred by this event forever. This should not be allowed. Big Brother should have stepped in from the outset, and edited content so as to sensitively convey the situation. They ignored a civic responsibility, and should be held to account.

If we truly want to be a tolerant and forgiving society, then those who were racist on Big Brother should learn from their mistakes without persecution from the media or society alike.