Spanish-Language Talk Show Targeted for Obscene, Homophobic, Sexist Segments

Three groups are taking action against a Spanish-language television talk show, José Luis Sin Censura, that has a history of obscene, violent, anti-gay, and sexist segments purposely used to whip up homophobic and misogynistic sentiments.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and the Women's Media Center are all joining together to call attention to José Luis Sin Censura, and to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate the show for violating broadcast television standards. A complaint with the FCC was filed by GLAAD and the National Hispanic Media Coalition, with the Women's Media Center joining the organizations for an online action calling on Julius Genachowski, Chair of the FCC, to investigate José Luis Sin Censura.

GLAAD has a pretty shocking clip reel documenting a number of incidents from the show that raise some major red flags. In over 20 episodes that aired between May 2010-December 2010, GLAAD documented segments on José Luis Sin Censura that used the words "culero" (assf*cker) as well as "maricón," "joto" and "puñal" (fa*got), and also captured segments where audience members were encouraged to shout anti-gay epithets at guests who were LGBT or who were perceived to be LGBT.

"This is certainly not the standard being set by other Spanish-language news and entertainment media, most of which continue to improve in presenting stories of the LGBT community that grow acceptance," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "It is extremely disturbing to see a show like 'José Luis Sin Censura' air this violent language with impunity and without any regard for the safety of our community. At a time when LGBT youth and adults face harassment and violence, it is unacceptable for media to fuel such a climate of intolerance about our community."

The FCC complaint filed by GLAAD and the National Hispanic Media Coalition targets Liberman Broadcasting, as well as the Los Angeles network KRCA, which airs José Luis Sin Censura.

It's also not the first time that José Luis Sin Censura has faced scrutiny for its content. Last year, after episodes where anti-gay epithets flew around fast and furious, GLAAD led protests against the show, which resulted in a number of companies refusing to sponsor José Luis Sin Censura, including KFC, Chevrolet, and Nissan.

Alex Nogales, the President and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, said that he was appalled that Liberman Broadcasting would choose to air this show at all, let alone at a time during the day when lots of children were watching television.

"This program is WAY overboard, and goes far beyond a fleeting moment of expletives or nudity. This is pre-taped, pre-meditated smut, designed to do nothing more than titillate and shock the audience. I have never seen anything like this on English-language television – José Luis makes Jerry Springer look like Mr. Rogers," Nogales said. "I am alarmed that José Luis seems to normalize violence and hate against LGBT people. At a time when so much hate is being directed towards Latinos in this country, we know firsthand that hate and violence have no place in our dialogue."

Want to get the FCC's attention on this? Send them a message here, and extend your support for the work of GLAAD, the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and the Women's Media Center to hold José Luis Sin Censura accountable.

Photo credit: zenilfrank