BBC Show About War 'Offensive'
United Press International
Nov 22, 2010
A British military official says a BBC series about troops in Afghanistan "is deeply offensive to all those serving."
Gen. Peter Wall made the complaint in a letter to network officials about the program "Accused," the BBC reported.
The show's first episode features a low-ranking enlisted man who bullies two friends into joining the army. One of the men later commits suicide.
A spokesman for the ministry of defense said Wall considered the program to be offensive and an inaccurate portrayal of the British military.
"There are fears that those watching it will believe this is what is really happening to their loved ones," the spokesman said.
The BBC defended the program and said it made clear in its promotions it is fiction.
The show's writer, Jimmy McGovern, said he had no intention of hurting anyone.
"It is not my intention to slur British soldiers, for whom I have the greatest respect. At the heart of the drama is my belief in the sanctity of life," McGovern said.
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