Ben EastEnders
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BBC issues statement after EastEnders is hit with complaints over Ben’s rape

EastEnders has responded to the complaints

The BBC has responded as EastEnders viewers made complaints over Ben Mitchell‘s rape storyline.

In last week’s scenes, Ben was raped by attacker Lewis Butler.

The scenes have been part of a pre-announced storyline which the soap hopes will raise awareness of male rape.

However the BBC has released a statement after fans complained the scenes were too much for pre-watershed viewing.

Ben was raped by Lewis (Credit: BBC)

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What did EastEnders fans say?

One wrote: “Is it just me or foes anyone else think that Ben’s rape was so violent that it should have gone out after the watershed… or at least had a warning for parents with younger viewers in the room?”

A second said: “I guess the TV watershed doesn’t exist anymore then?”

Another said: “Just watched and I’m sorry but that did go too far for before 9pm.

“That would’ve been harrowing even at 10/11pm.”

https://twitter.com/SkylarTwisty/status/1528831219445669888

The episode was aired at the usual time of 7.30pm (Credit: BBC)

How did the BBC respond?

In a statement to respond to official complaints, the BBC reminded viewers that EastEnders has always been at the forefront of tackling serious issues.

The BBC stated: “EastEnders has been a pre-watershed BBC One staple for over 37 years and has a rich history of dealing with challenging and difficult issues and Ben’s story is one of these.

EastEnders has been a pre-watershed BBC One staple for over 37 years.

The BBC has released a statement (Credit: BBC)

“We have worked closely with organisations and experts in the field to tell the story which we hope will raise awareness of sexual assaults and the issues surrounding them.

“We are always mindful of the timeslot in which EastEnders is shown and we have took great care to signpost this storyline prior to transmission, though on-air continuity and publicity as well as providing a BBC Action Line at the end of the episode which offers advice and support to those affected by the issue.”

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EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Did you watch last week’s EastEnders? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.


Charlotte Rodrigues
Soap Contributor
Charlotte Rodrigues joined Entertainment Daily in April 2018, as Audience Engagement Executive. A huge soap fan, Charlotte then became Senior Soap Writer, delivering the latest storylines and spoilers to our followers.