A racy photo shoot for men's magazine GQ featuring three 'Glee' cast members has come in for strong criticism from a parents' watchdog group in the US.
Short skirts, high heels and provocative poses featuring lollipops dominate the November issue photoshoot featuring Lea Michele (Rachel), Dianna Agron (Quinn) and Corey Monteith (Finn) that plays with the high school setting of the Emmy-award winning television show. All three actors are in their 20s.
Reuters reports that the Parents Television Council watchdog group in the US said "This is just the latest example of the overt sexualisation of young girls in entertainment."
'Glee', a sometimes dark, subversive comedy featuring a high school choir, has taken U.S. pop culture by storm since its 2009 debut. Superstars like Madonna, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga readily agreed to licence their songs to the show.
GQ editor in chief Jim Nelson said that the watchdog group "should learn to divide reality from fantasy."
"As often happens in Hollywood, these 'kids' are in their twenties. Cory Monteith's almost 30. I think they're old enough to do what they want," Nelson said
Bob Thompson, professor of popular culture at Syracuse University, brushed off the PTC comments, noting that 'Glee' had never been a "kiddie show" despite attracting teens.
"From the very beginning, 'Glee' has dealt with pot, teen pregnancy and gay sexuality.
"This is a show that has definitely got adult themes. The GQ shoot demonstrates it isn't just a show for teeny boppers," Thompson told Reuters.
