Caitlyn Jenner’s trans reality show dropped from African TV due to viewer complaints
‘I am Cait’ will no longer be shown in Africa following complaints from viewers, its broadcaster said.
Multichoice announced the show would be dropped out of respect for “customers’ views and Africa’s diverse regulatory environments”.
The move comes after a request from Nigerian authorities, according to reports.
The company’s DSTV service broadcasts to the whole continent, meaning the show will longer be shown anywhere in Africa.
Some parents in Nigeria had said they did not want their children to watch the show, Nigerian media reported.
Last October, the NBC also asked Multichoice to stop broadcasting ‘I am Jazz’ – a show about trans teen Jazz Jennings, Channel 24 reported.
Critics say the move may set a precedent, where a single country – in this case Nigeria – can effectively decide what TV viewers across the whole continent can watch.
In 2014, the Nigerian government criminalised homosexuality – making some acts punishable with a life sentence.
Last year, the country rejected calls from US President Barack Obama to repeal the anti-gay law stating, “sodomy is against the law in Nigeria, and abhorrent to our culture.”
However, Africa may not be the only place set to drop ‘I am Cait’, after it was recently alleged the show faces the axe after losing viewers.
The news emerged after the show’s second season started and its ratings dropped sharply, failing to meet expectations.
The first episode of the series two pulled in 745,000 viewers, translating into a 0.3 market share among adults between 18 and 49 according to Hollywood Reporter.
A source close to the show says Jenner is fighting for the show and is determined to keep it on air.
