"Snooki" Punched in the Face, Gym Teacher Arrested, MTV Pulls Scene from "Jersey Shore"
Photo: Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi
The network has announced that it is removing a controversial scene in which cast member Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is sucker-punched by an angry man at a bar. The attack, which was filmed in August, got 24-year-old Brad Ferro arrested for assault and disorderly conduct, according to the New York Post. But it also got MTV in hot water with some who have criticized the network for showing violence against women.
Domino's Pizza has already pulled its advertising, according to TMZ.
Photo: Cast of "Jersey Shore."
The attack occurred on Aug. 19 at Beachcomber Bar & Grill in Seaside Heights, NJ, during the filming of "Jersey Shore," a reality series which profiles eight young, buff Italian Americans who share a summer home at the New Jersey shore and a passion for going shirtless.
In the segment, Ferro, a gym teacher at North Queens Community High School who is not a cast member, appeared drunk and was advised by bouncers to stop drinking, Det. Steve Korman told the New York Post. Ferro refused and reportedly stole drinks belonging to Polizzi's group at the bar.
Photo: Brad Ferro's mug shot.
An argument ensued between Polizzi and Ferro, who punched Polizzi in the face, sending the 21-year-old to the floor.
"She sustained an injury to the inside of her mouth due to the punch," Korman told the Post.
Photo: Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi
"What happened to "Snooki" was a crime and obviously extremely disturbing," said an MTV spokesman in a statement. "After hearing from our viewers, further consulting with experts on the issue of violence, and seeing how the video footage has been taken out of context to not show the severity of this act or the resulting consequences, MTV has decided not to air Snooki being physically punched in next week's episode. The show will still make it clear what events transpired, including the full aftermath."
"Jersey Shore" has also taken a fair deal of criticism for what some Italian Americans feel are crude and inaccurate stereotypes of young Italians, including the frequent use of the term "guido."
André DiMino, president of UNICO National, an Italian service organization, says it's not fair for anyone to be portrayed in that way. "I know it sells," DiMino told CBS News' The Early Show, "but it's unfortunate that MTV has become 'empty TV.' What I would like to see is for them to pull the show."
With high ratings and controversy, that seems unlikely.