A controversial Euphoria scene featuring Sydney Sweeney has sparked debate online as the UK government considers criminalising pornography involving adults role-playing as children.
The hit HBO drama returned for its third season today (13 April), as teaser footage showed Sweeney's character Cassie Howard appearing to take part in 'age play' on screen.
In Euphoria, Cassie lives as a restless California housewife engaged to Nate (Jacob Elordi) and turning to OnlyFans to fund her wedding.
The divisive clip, however, shows the 28-year-old with her legs in the air, dressed in pigtails with a dummy in her mouth, wearing a pink sheer top.
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She then performs the 'happy baby' yoga pose while dressed in clothing resembling a nappy.
The imagery triggered backlash online, with some viewers accusing the scene of 'playing into a paedophilic fetish'.
Others defended the storyline, arguing the show has always tackled uncomfortable realities surrounding sex, power and the internet.
“Why did they even agree to do this?” one person wrote.
While a second penned: “We shouldn’t be okay with this… the entire production should be held responsible for this abhorrent mess.”
"But it's fiction," someone else suggested. "It's a mockery of those who make and consume that kind of stuff.
"It's like you complaining that a movie features a corrupt politician or a serial killer."
UK government plans crackdown
At the same time, the UK government is introducing tougher laws to combat against extreme pornography online.
New amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill will criminalise the possession or publication of pornography depicting incest or adults pretending to be children.
Such material could carry a maximum of five years in prison, while possession of pornography depicting adult-child role play could result in up to three years behind bars.
Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Girls Alex Davies-Jones said: “I've sadly heard far too many devastating stories from victims and I know we need change now. Tackling violence against women and girls within a decade will take every single one of us.
“We have been clear that vile online pornography has real-life consequences for all of us and I’d like to thank every brave campaigner who has worked with us to deliver this vital step.
“Today we are sending a powerful message: we will stamp out misogynistic and harmful content online and create a safer world.”
Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan added: “Too many women have endured the distress of having intimate images shared online without their consent.
“Today we are tabling measures to hold tech bosses responsible for preventing this abuse. If they fail to remove these images they could face jail or substantial fines.
“This is not an optional requirement, it’s a duty that every tech leader must take seriously.”
LADbible has contacted Sweeney and HBO for comment.
Anish Vij