Greek state television has been slammed for editing a gay kiss out of the primetime premiere of Downton Abbey.
In the British period drama’s pilot episode, the footman Thomas Barrow (portrayed by Rob James-Collier) shares a brief intimate moment with a visiting duke. NET channel axed the scene, citing the timeslot's parental guidance viewing rules.
The nation's main (and more liberal) opposition party were outraged by the decision.
"This of course is an obvious case of censorship, an extreme act of homophobia and discrimination," the Syriza party said in a statement.
The broadcaster has since shot down accusations of censorship, adamant that the love affair itself was not censored.
"The kiss was not shown because of the time the program was broadcast and the corresponding parental guidance warnings," said Costas Spyropoulos, managing director of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation.
The network plans to air the full episode, uncensored unedited, in a later timeslot.
Visiting from Greece and wondering what other TV gay kisses you've missed over the years? Check out our TV's lesbian kisses slideshow.
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