Group complains ‘Jersey Shore’ promotes tanning

The Skin Cancer Foundation has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission regarding what it calls the “dangerous” promotion of indoor tanning on the MTV show “Jersey Shore.”

The foundation’s complaint seeks an investigation by the FTC into the promotional initiatives of the reality television show, which aired its final episode in December, and its network, MTV. Some of the cast members would reference their ritual of “gym, tan, laundry” and included scenes of cast members visiting indoor tanning salons. The foundation claims the series glamorized and endorsed tanning without disclosing associated health risks, according to a news release.

After reviewing numerous episodes of the show, the Skin Cancer Foundation met with executives at MTV, asking the network to include warnings before each episode of “Jersey Shore” about tanning. When the network refused, the foundation filed its complaint with the FTC.

“Disturbingly, aside from the occasional sunburn, the cast never seriously discusses the risk of tanning,” the foundation stated. “For example, in episode 13 of season two, cast member Paul DelVecchio enthusiastically nominated himself ‘Most Likely to Get Skin Cancer.’”

Noting that research has shown those who use indoor tanning are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never used tanning beds, the foundation stated MTV’s demographic is “impressionable” and is at particular risk for skin cancer.

“By refusing to warn ‘Jersey Shore’ viewers about the thoroughly established dangers of tanning, MTV is putting lives in danger,” the foundation stated.