Party Leader Graham Capill is calling on the public to boycott Pizza Hut after their sponsorship of the R18 show, Big Brother, last night on TV2.

Mr Capill said, “Pizza Hut has tried to develop a pro-family brand. To now sponsor an R18 programme and have it beamed into every home in New Zealand calls their brand into question.

“While individuals are free to choose to go to an R18 movie or hire such a video, it is quite another thing to support the broadcast of infidelity, bondage and discipline, animal impersonations and orgy-like behaviour on a free to air channel.

“That it is screened in an ‘adult’ time slot is no excuse. Many young people under 18 years old will still be watching television at 9.30 pm. The onus is on the broadcaster to ensure those under the restricted age do not have free access to the material.

What TVNZ and Pizza Hut have failed to recognise is that even soft core pornography can have devastating affects on the lives of those watching it. Studies done around the world have shown the link between pornography and sexual crime. That a family restaurant chain can sponsor such a programme is inexcusable.”

Mr Capill calls upon Pizza Hut to withdraw their support “or face commercial backlash from many New Zealanders who will have been offended that such garbage is presented in the name of entertainment.”

Contact: Party Leader Graham Capill, Direct Line: (03) 352 6720 or (021) 661 766

© Scoop Media