MTV's new docuseries 'Ghosted' slammed for promoting stalking
MTV released a teaser for its new show, “Ghosted: Love Gone Missing,” and not everyone is excited about it. The network is facing backlash for glorifying stalking.
In the docuseries, hosts Rachel Lindsay and Travis Mills "help distraught individuals track down and confront a former lover, friend or family member in an effort to uncover the harsh realities of why they 'ghosted' them," according to the show’s press release.
"The term 'Ghosting,' the act of ending a relationship by abruptly cutting off communication without explanation, was born out of the current ever-changing digital landscape," the press release continues. "The investigative series explores how social media has connected the world more than ever, while also undercutting our ability to deeply connect and communicate."
People were quick to call out MTV for romanticizing dangerous behavior.
"This is so creepy and f***ed up and why the f*** is a tv show promoting literal f***ing STALKING!?!??" one person exclaimed. "CANCEL #Ghosted before it f***ing airs."
"[MTV] has this new show #Ghosted where they help people find and confront dates who ghosted them. Ghosting is so distasteful. But quick reminder that the people you date don't owe you s*** and 'finding' someone who has made it clear they don't want to talk to you is stalking," another wrote.
Many people tweeted in agreement.
The shorter way of saying "tracking down the person who ghosted you" is Stalking. That's the word for that. https://t.co/efTH4pNuu3
— James Malloy (@AndTheMeltdowns) August 22, 2019
I think that'd be considered stalking and, for those responding in the positive, maybe some of you were ghosted for a reason. 🤷🏽?♀? https://t.co/FNN5rtbIwd
— Not that Girl You Know (@Cherry_BonBomb) August 22, 2019
Ghosted, prime example of stalking! Man don’t want ya ass tf
— Amarie🌺 (@AOrtiz_92) August 22, 2019
Ummm this is technically stalking but okay🙃....... #ghosted
— ?ll?ll? 𝕞 ?ll?ll? (@paynexwang) August 22, 2019
MTV cancelled an amazing show that dealt with rape in universities and race problems but Instead of having anything realistic to that, they decided to have a show that says “hey stalking the person who ghosted you is totally normal and not unhealthy in any way!” #MTVGhosted #MTV
— Morgan (@MorganHenricks2) August 22, 2019
Could you imagine someone leaving behind a toxic relationship/friendship, healing, and then an MTV camera crew shows up in your face with that person. That would be super traumatizing for a lot of people
— Juicebox (@CentristsHateMe) August 21, 2019
MTV's new show #Ghosted definitely promotes stalking. A person does not HAVE to stay in touch with people whom aren't their "real friends" if they don't want to.
— amir's mom (@laShaeaviana) August 22, 2019
Some people tweeted that if a person agreed to be filmed for the reality show, they likely gave their consent to participate, so it's not technically stalking.
"You do realize that people have to sign legal documents that gives consent to mtv crews to show up at your door?" one person wrote. “They prep you beforehand & you have a choice in whether you want to be involved.”
Another user pointed out something similar, claiming, "U and the person who ghosted u before have to be down. I remember applying on backstage and they wanted my ghoster’s email so they could ask permission. But obviously I ain’t have it [laughing emoji] y’all have to remember reality tv is 90% scripted so relax. No one was stalked, everybody paid."
But there's the argument that MTV is still promoting a dangerous premise.
"By leaving out the part where that consent is granted MTV is presenting a situation where someone is demanding they be present in someone’s life that obviously didn’t want them there. And their target demo starts at 12yo. Pretty dangerous model," one person responded.
Yahoo Entertainment reached out to MTV for comment about the criticism, but did not immediately receive a response.
MTV’s Ghosted: Love Gone Missing premieres Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. EST.
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