The UK premiere of Fifty Shades Darker was targeted by protesters saying that the film “glamourises and normalises” domestic abuse.
The activists, representing the ’50 Shades Is Domestic Abuse’ campaign, held signs and banners outside the Odeon Leicester Square in central London that argued that “Christian Grey is a rapist” and the franchise “grooms women for abuse”.
The campaign website reads, “The second film based on the books by EL James and continues the story of Anastasia Steele’s relationship with billionaire Christian Grey.
Protest: Some campaigners believe the movie glamourises and normalises domestic abuse | UNIVERSAL PICTURES
The website continues, “The film is being released for Valentine’s Day, framing Fifty Shades Darker as a romantic story. However, the aptly named film betrays that this franchise is much darker than kinky sex.”
Founder, Natalie Collins said: “Fifty Shades is more than just a fiction series, it is a social phenomenon.
“Its success evidences society-wide ignorance about abusive behaviour, normalises abusers and perpetuates damaging stereotypes about BDSM sexualities.”
Jamie Dornan has recently defended the franchise.
