“It was never our intent to endorse content that would offend consumers,” the folks at Wrigley said in a statement released Saturday. The company had advertised its Extra and Orbit chewing gums in the premiere episode last Monday.
The first episode last Monday reported 3.3 million viewers which is a fantastic number for the cable show. This week however, the show has come under attack from groups like Parents Television Council have been attacking Skins for its sexy content in a show being “marketed directly to children.”
Critics say the show glamorizes promiscuous sex, drug use and drinking.
MTV defended the program.
“We review all of our shows and work with all of our producers on an ongoing basis to ensure our shows comply with laws and community standards. We are confident that the episodes of Skins will not only comply with all applicable legal requirements, but also with our responsibilities to our viewers,” MTV said. “We have also taken numerous steps to alert viewers to the strong subject matter so that they can choose for themselves whether it is appropriate.”
