Senator Slossberg Responds To Supposed GTAIV Rape Issue
See Full ImageIt's no surprise to any video game journalist that Grand Theft Auto IV is a constant source of controversy and concern amongst politicians and the mainstream public. However, due to the high profile status of the game, this news tends to become overblown with exaggeration, and in some cases, complete misinterpretations and falsehoods.
Yesterday, the news broke that Connecticut State Senator Gayle Slossberg was concerned about a rape scene rumored to exist in Rockstar's blockbuster title. This initially came from a New Haven Advocate report, which was then reported on by GamePolitics. We contacted Senator Slossberg to explain that GTAIV didn't include any rape scene, but as it turns out, the explanation was irrelevant.
"The article in the New Haven Advocate misrepresented my off-the-record-comments during an informal conversation about parenting. I was in no way announcing a legislative proposal, announcing intent to introduce legislation or taking a public position on restricting the content of video games." -- Gayle Slossberg
For those of us who are used to print media distorting the facts and "misrepresenting" certain details about the video game industry, this comes as no surprise. But we wanted to clear this up before a slew of indignant gamers caused a major backlash on what amounts to a non-issue. We're all a little on guard after the Jack Thompson era (thankfully ended by the Florida Supreme Court), but this is hardly comparable.
Related Game(s): Grand Theft Auto IV
6/26/2008 Ben Dutka
Comments (Beta)
Deleted User
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 2:56:35 PM
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What were they thinking!?
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danr
Friday, June 27, 2008 @ 9:54:03 AM
Nothing bad about that tho ;)
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ThePoetRazel
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 3:34:19 PM
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No smoke without fire as they say. And politicians are infamous for blowing smoke.
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Zapix
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 4:43:15 PM
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Glad she responded, although I doubt the New Haven Advocate will release an apology, which they really should.
On a side note, I wonder if her comments had anything to do with the recent bits about the closing up of the San Andreas lawsuit... Which a family member brought up to me, saying R*/Take2 was being sued for a hidden scene in GTAIV... I had to check the NY Times just to see for myself, but did clearly say 'San Andreas' not IV. Misunderstanding based on lack of knowledge on the game industry.
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bugzbunny109
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 7:29:33 PM
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shaydey77
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 8:07:02 PM
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I think its because its a computer female...which would lead to the MANCHILD that psx were on about before...compared to seeing a real woman this could be dangerous like!!!
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Zapix
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 9:48:15 PM
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On that note... Just add some password system to games where you have to answer a question these brainless parents who buy their 8yr old child GTAIV would never know. "What popular game series did Hideo Kojima create?" or "What system was built first? 'XBOX Wii' or 'Playstation 360.'" >.>
Last edited by Zapix on 6/26/2008 9:49:31 PM
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aaronisbla
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 11:08:45 PM
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Deleted User
Friday, June 27, 2008 @ 1:34:12 PM
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Last edited by n/a on 6/27/2008 1:34:19 PM
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nightwng2000
Friday, June 27, 2008 @ 1:41:10 PM
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I... see.
So your idea, senator, of good Parenting, is to spread rumors, lie to and deceive individuals and Parents, about content in media?
Uh huh. Interesting moral character there.
But then, a lot of individuals, organizations, and government officials and entities who scream "Family Values", "Protect the children!" seem to have those same ideas of "morality".
I wonder if she knows Cooper Lawrence?
Andrew
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Jed
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Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 1:32:58 PM