NYC official requests apology over latest SVU episode

NYC Councilwoman Joann Ariola has demanded an apology over the latest episode of SVU, but do NBC have anything to apologise for?

Carly Horne
6th December 2022
Image credit: IMDB
Between 1986 and 2005, Howard Beach (Queens, New York) was home to a number of hate crimes. A number of racially-motivated attacks have led to the area's reputation becoming largely negative, the area which in a recent episode of 'Law and Order: SVU' was described as ‘racist, sexist, and phobic about just about everything’.

Joann Ariola (NYC Councilwoman for District 32) addressed a letter to a number of Wolf Entertainment employees, including showrunner David Graziano and Executive Producer/Show frontrunner Mariska Hargitay, describing the reference as "uncalled for and defamatory".

The councilwoman goes on to say that the decision to do so "reflects a lack of forethought and compassion for the people who live here".

Joann Ariola's Facebook was updated to provide constituents with the letter sent to the show's officials. The letter closes with a request for an apology from those the correspondence was addressed to - as of yet, NBC and the Law and Order franchise have yet to respond.

Ariola's post was met with mixed responses, with some constituents thanking Ariola for writing the letter and others criticising the official for overreacting to what is ultimately a fictional show.

While Ariola defended her residents as being "resilient, hardworking" and "industrious" and her neighbourhood as "diverse", it is worth bringing attention to the disclaimer which precedes every episode: “The following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event.”

it is concerning to have created such a response over a fictional depiction - though rooted in real events of the area's history

There is no doubt that many of her constituents are tolerant, accepting and that the area is filled with many different kinds of people. However, it is concerning to have created such a response over a fictional depiction - though rooted in real events of the area's history.

A more helpful response might have been to consult with those in the neighbourhood to ascertain whether or not residents felt there was truth rooted in the NBC show's depiction of the area.

Importantly, however, it should again be emphasised that 'Law and Order: SVU' is a fictional show and Joann Ariola's letter has likely drawn more attention to Howard Beach's reputation than the episode ever would have.

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