The director of the Stalking Resource Center has requested that CBS remove the drama series “Stalker” from its lineup, claiming it glorifies and normalizes a serious crime and disrespects its victims.
“We have strong objections to the use of gratuitous violence, especially because we know that only 25-35 percent of stalking cases involve any violence and only 2 percent of cases involve serious violence, including homicide,” Michelle M. Garcia wrote in a letter to CBS Corp. President and CEO Les Moonves.
“Promoting that viewers will be `blown away’ by the premiere and then opening the series with a woman burned to death in an explosion at the hands of her stalker was insensitive and told us all we need to know about CBS’ intentions.”
Garcia also called for sponsors to stop advertising on the series.
CBS declined comment.
“Stalker” is based on the Los Angeles Police Department’s Threat Management Unit. Its premiere Wednesday won the 10-11 pm time slot, averaging 9.05 million viewers.
