TV Talk: "Glee" GQ cover stirs up controversy

In the October issue of the men's magazine GQ, "Glee" stars Lea Michele, Dianna Agron and Cory Monteith were splashed across the cover and inside pages in provocative clothing, poses and sets.

The photos quickly drew ire from fans of the FOX hit and their parents, citing the photoshoot as too sexualized and verging on "pedophilia."

Tim Winters, president of the Parents Television Council, said:

"It is disturbing that GQ, which is explicitly written for adult men, is sexualizing the actresses who play high school-aged characters on 'Glee' in this way. It borders on pedophilia. Sadly, this is just the latest example of the overt sexualization of young girls in entertainment."

In the photos, Michele and Agron are wearing little other than colored, lacy panties and bras in suggestive poses scattered throughout a high school setting (often while donning kitten heels and sucking on lollipops). In one shot, the girls are scantily clad in the library. In other photos, Michele is straddling a bench in the boys lockerroom while Agron depicts the male fantasy of a sexy cheerleader.

Though the actors in the shoot are adults--Michele and Agron are 24, Monteith is 28--the photo spread is clearly promoting the comedy show set in a high school in which the actors portray teenagers. It is not uncommon for older actors to play teens in TV shows or movies.

Though FOX did not comment, GQ responded:

"The Parents Television Council must not be watching much TV these days and should learn to divide reality from fantasy. As often happens in Hollywood, these 'kids' are in their twenties. Cory Montieth's almost 30! I think they're old enough to do what they want."

In the GQ photo shoot, the stars appear to be playing their characters and not themselves as individuals. This probably indicates that the shoot is too racy for the audience "Glee" is actually intended for. But the photos probably aren't too racy for GQ readers. The question is, had the actors not been on high school sets intended to simulate the "Glee" world, would the rules be different?

Also, is "Glee" really a family show just because it's about teenagers? With storylines about the loss of virginity, early ejaculation and masturbation, is "Glee" meant to be considered family programming?

Another issue at the center of the controversy is the gender inequality evident in the photo spread. While Michele and Agron must be feeling a breeze due to their lack of clothing, Monteith has to be toasty warm in his several layers of shirts and sweaters. Why are the girls undressed, but the boy is not? All three should have been in the same state of dress (or undress).

Lastly, in a show known for its wide, diverse cast, why were only the three white, straight, thin actors chosen for the photo shoot? Were none of the actors available? Or maybe, they were smart enough to stay away from GQ's overly sexual shoot.

To weigh in on the debate, CBS' Katie Couric shared her opinion in a special segment. Click here to view it. To share your thoughts, feel free to comment below.

Sources:
EW: 'Glee' goes provocative for GQ, and we ask: Ugh, why?
Billboard: Sexy 'Glee' photos draw pedophilia protests
Yahoo: 'Glee' photos drawing fire for Lea Michele and Dianna Agron

TV Talk: Miley's music video mayhem

Following the typical path of sweet pop princesses who get famous and grow up too fast (a 'la Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson--but surprisingy, not Mandy Moore), Miley Cyrus has once again angered the parents who used to be grateful for her formerly squeaky clean, Disney persona. According to reports, Cyrus has upset her fans' parents with another scandalous music video.

Last time, her caged dance video for "Can't Be Tamed" was scrutinized for its suggestive dance moves and questionable clothing choices. In the new video for her single "Who Owns My Heart?" the message is clear. With the final season of "Hannah Montanna" wrapping up on the Disney channel, Cyrus is ready to shed her clean-cut image once and for all (and also, her clothes).

The video opens with Cyrus waking up in bed wearing a blindfold. She then vamps it up in tiny shorts to show off her long legs and a low cut golden halter before going clubbing all night long. Throughout the video, Cyrus is seen wearing very little for a 17-year-old singer whose fanbase still consists of little girls and preteens. In fact, in quite a few scenes, the minor is seen wearing little else than panties and tank-tops.

Tim Winter, the president of the Parents Television Council, critiziced the teen's sexualized video, saying:

"It is unfortunate that she would participate in such a sexualized video like this one," Winter said. "It sends messages to her fanbase that are diametrically opposed to everything she has done up to this point. Miley built her fame and fortune entirely on the backs of young girls, and it saddens us that she seems so eager to distance herself from that fanbase so rapidly."

The Parents Television Council frequently speaks out against television content it deems as inappropriate or damaging for children. Most recently, the organization raised objections against CBS' program "SH*! My Dad Says," Adam Lambert's male-on-male liplock and simulated fellatio at the American Music Awards, and the threesome storyline on the CW's "Gossip Girl."

Cyrus also faced similar controversies for a topless Vanity Fair cover in 2008, her pole-dancing move at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards, and her simulated girl-on-girl kiss on "Britain's Got Talent."

With all these incidents in tow, is the "Who Owns My Heart?" video really that surprising? Is it that inappropriate for a pop act that's been pulling these kind of marketing stunts for years?

Watch the Ms. Never-ending Source of Controversy in action below:




Sources:
EW: Miley Cyrus' new music video blasted by Parents Television Council
MTV: Miley Cyrus "Who Owns My Heart" video blasted by Parents Television Council
Yahoo: Miley Cyrus "Who Owns My Heart?" video -- too racy or age appropriate?