Crewkerne woman concerned after 'pornographic' Fifty Shades of Grey stocked in supermarkets

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A CREWKERNE woman has raised concern after merchandise from the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise was stocked within reach of children in several major supermarkets.

Pippa Smith wrote to Waitrose and the Co-operative to complain that they were selling Grey, the latest novel from EL James, along with the DVD of the movie adaptation of the book series from promotional stands in their Crewkerne branches.

The novels and film tell the story of the volatile relationship between protagonists Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele and features explicit sexual content, including graphic depictions of bondage and sadomasochism.

In letters to both supermarkets, Mrs Smith wrote: "These "pornographic" books are not about a love story, but all about sexual abuse.

"They bring bondage, domination and sadomasochism into the mainstream and thereby glamorise and normalise it.

"By selling such books in your stores it appears to put a stamp of respectability on the content and condones and normalises the message it sends.

"NSPCC reports show that teenage girls are experiencing higher levels of violence in relationships because their boyfriends are viewing abusive and violent pornography on the internet. The media provide the role models for so many vulnerable young men.

"It may be legal but it is not right and is part of the process of pushing boundaries which shows how weak and ineffective our laws have become."

Mrs Smith also referenced the Co-op's decision to stop selling the Daily Sport newspaper and so-called "lads' mags" in 2013 following a barrage of complaints from customers about their content.

Responding to Mrs Smith, Waitrose case manager Laura Perkins said: "As a retailer, we leave our customers to make their own decisions on the books they wish to buy.

"However, I understand your strength of feeling in this matter, and have passed your comments on to the people that look after this area of our business. I know they will consider them carefully the next time they review the products we sell."

A response on behalf of Co-operative chief executive Richard Pennycook added: "We do try to give our customers the option to purchase what they desire but also giving our customers the opportunity to make an informed choice as to whether to purchase the Grey merchandise in our stores.

"On review, the Co-operative's stance on the Daily Sport is solely in response to those members and customers who have expressed concerns that children may see overt sexual images when visiting our stores.

"This doesn't apply to the Grey merchandise, as no sexual images are visible."

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