October 9, 1997 in Nation/World

Abc Censoring To Warn Viewers About Gay Kiss, Charges ‘Ellen’ Star

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A furious Ellen DeGeneres accused ABC of censorship for placing a warning about “adult content” before Wednesday’s episode of “Ellen,” in which the actress kisses a female co-star.

“I never wanted to be an activist, but now they’re turning me into one,” DeGeneres told TV Guide.

In addition to the TV-14 rating icon that flashes at the opening of the show, ABC added an additional sentence: “Due to adult content, parental discretion is advised.” ABC representatives would not explain why the additional warning was added.

No such extra warning was flashed last spring during the highly-rated episode where DeGeneres’ character, Ellen Morgan, came out as a lesbian.

The Ellen character has yet to attempt a romantic kiss with another woman. Wednesday’s kiss was described by a show spokeswoman as a “joking” one with actress Joely Fisher, who plays Ellen’s best friend, Paige.

The episode, titled “Roommates,” is about Ellen mistakenly thinking a woman looking for a roommate is actually seeking a romantic partner.

The actress said the only reason the episode is getting a warning label is “because I’m gay.”

” ABC spokesman Kevin Brockman said he believed other network programs have received a similar warning about adult content.

“The network has a responsibility to give viewers and parents as much information as possible so they can make educational decisions for young viewers,” he said.

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