Skip to main content
Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

Some groups say ‘Fifty Shades’ endorses sexual violence

In this image released by Universal Pictures and Focus Features, Dakota Johnson, left, and Jamie Dornan appear in a scene from "Fifty Shades of Grey." The film is getting a big thumbs-down from religious and other groups who say it’s degrading to women and endorses sexual violence. One social media campaign is encouraging movie-goers to instead give their ticket and popcorn money to women’s shelters. Author EL James, who wrote the erotic trilogy that launched the film, has heard the backlash and says the critics have it all wrong. She says no woman wants to read about abuse, and that everything that happens is safe and consensual. (AP Photo/Universal Pictures and Focus Features)
In this image released by Universal Pictures and Focus Features, Dakota Johnson, left, and Jamie Dornan appear in a scene from "Fifty Shades of Grey." The film is getting a big thumbs-down from religious and other groups who say it’s degrading to women and endorses sexual violence. One social media campaign is encouraging movie-goers to instead give their ticket and popcorn money to women’s shelters. Author EL James, who wrote the erotic trilogy that launched the film, has heard the backlash and says the critics have it all wrong. She says no woman wants to read about abuse, and that everything that happens is safe and consensual. (AP Photo/Universal Pictures and Focus Features)

By Associated Press 1 min read

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – It hasn’t even opened but already “Fifty Shades of Grey” is getting a big thumbs-down from religious and other groups who say it’s degrading to women and endorses sexual violence.

One social media campaign is encouraging movie-goers to instead give their ticket and popcorn money to women’s shelters.

Even as screenings sell out in advance, critics, including the American Family Association and National Center on Sexual Exploitation, are pushing for boycotts.

One group in Madison, Wisconsin, is planning to picket outside a Thursday premier.

Author E L James, who wrote the erotic trilogy that launched the film, has heard the backlash and says the critics have it all wrong. She says no woman wants to read about abuse, and that everything that happens is safe and consensual.