Fifty Shades Spinoff Slammed as ‘Irresponsible Rationalization of Domestic Abuse’

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation, which previously condemned the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, is going after EL James’ recently announced spinoff book, Grey, which tells the Fifty Shades story through Christian Grey’s perspective.

In a statement Wednesday, NCSE vice president Dawn Hawkins says the center “predicts [Grey] will be an irresponsible rationalization of domestic abuse,” characterizing Christian as “the man who tortures and coerces his ‘love interest’ for sexual pleasure.”

“In reality, too many women suffer every day at the hands of violence and abuse. For such brutality to be considered ‘sexy’ entertainment, or justifiable because of the abuser’s past experiences or wealth and power, is offensive and an affront to every abused woman in America,” Hawkins added. “The continuation of this series perpetuates the mainstreaming of domestic abuse. It sends the false message that victims can ‘fix’ violent, controlling partners by being obedient.”

Hawkins also urged people to support the “50 Dollars not 50 Shades” campaign, which was launched ahead of the release of the Fifty Shades movie this past winter, in which people were encouraged to boycott the film and use the money they would spend on tickets, popcorn and drinks ($50) to support a domestic violence shelter or agency.

That grassroots campaign is backed by the NCSE and other American and Canadian anti-abuse and anti-exploitation organizations.

Grey is set to be released on June 18, aka Christian’s birthday.

This article originally appeared on The Hollywood Reporter.

More from The Hollywood Reporter: