MTV Reality Show Caused Crime Wave: Study

Network not happy with sexed-up image

(NEWSER) - Even if you like to pretend that MTV's Teen Mom reality show does not exist, you may find this "news" item amusing: The network is not happy that so many current and former cast members have gotten their breasts enhanced, because apparently it has a classier idea of what image the show should portray. "MTV has an idea of how they want the girls to come off and big fake boobs isn’t it," a source tells Star. "They’ve even called the other girls and begged them to hold off on surgery." The cleavage-enhanced teen moms so far include Jenelle Evans, Farrah Abraham, and Maci Bookout, Radar notes. More»

And 'Dark Knight' just might end up filming them, too

(NEWSER) - Participating in Occupy Wall Street might actually get you a job … on the Real World. The New York Observer points to a Craigslist ad that showed up Monday: “MTV's Real World is seeking cast members to tell their unique stories on our show,” it reads. “Are you a part of the OCCUPY WALL STREET movement?” If so, better get your bio and three recent pictures over to Bunim/Murray Productions lickety split! But if you "appear to be" over the age of 24, you need not apply... More»

'Village Voice' highlights the frighteningly specific warnings

(NEWSER) - Want to appear on MTV's Real World? First you might want to take a look at the contract, an "amusingly specific ... 30-page spectacular" the Village Voice got its hands on. Highlights, as interpreted by Camille Dodero:

• "You may die, lose limbs, and suffer nervous breakdowns."
• "If you undergo any medical procedures while involved in the show, they carry the risk of infection, disfigurement, death."
• "You may be humiliated and explicitly portrayed 'in a false light.'"
• "If you contract AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases while filming ... MTV is not responsible."

Gabriel Ben-Meir was shot dead in apparent robbery

(NEWSER) - A man and a woman have been busted in the shotgun murder of MTV producer Gabriel Ben-Meir, 30, outside his Los Angeles home earlier this week. Another man killed a week earlier has also been linked to the pair. Ben-Meir's wallet was missing when police examined his body, raising speculation that his killing was linked to a series of shotgun robberies, sources have told ABC News . Jabaar Vincent Thomas, 26, and Destiny Young, 29, are being held without bail, and will likely be charged with murder today. Ben-Meir coordinated music for MTV programs, including Ashton Kutcher's Punk'd. More»

Execs order scenes to be toned down

(NEWSER) - As creators bust boundaries with a raunchy view of teen sex and substance abuse in MTV's new program Skins , network executives are now worried they may be close to violating federal child porn laws. MTV executives have already ordered that some scenes involving underage teens be toned down, reports the New York Times . They're particularly worried about a nude scene of actor Jesse Carere, who plays Chris, running down a street in an episode airing at the end of the month. The joke of the episode is that Chris has an erection that apparently won't quit, thanks to pills to overcome erectile dysfunction. More»