"Jersey Shore" Shunned by Seaside Heights

(AP)  The New Jersey beach town that's home to MTV's "Jersey Shore" is trying to distance itself from the controversy surrounding the reality show.

In a statement Monday, the Borough of Seaside Heights says it "did not solicit, promote or participate in the filming" of the show.

It did issue a permit allowing the production company to film, but says those permits are issued routinely.

The show focuses on the escapades of eight 20-somethings thrown together at a summer shore house. The stars are mostly Italian-Americans.

Italian-American civic groups and New Jersey lawmakers are outraged, claiming the show perpetuates negative stereotypes.

The town insists the show doesn't reflect the majority of its visitors.

[andie52]

I think the show is aimed at the teen-age crowd.

[formrusmcsgt]

I watched about 5 minutes of this program last night. It's obviously aimed at teen-agers.

Anyone with any sense wouldn't watch it.