Shark-Dragging Video Sparks MTV ‘Siesta Key’ Boycott

SIESTA KEY, FL — Nearly 6,000 people had joined the “Boycott Siesta Key MTV” movement on Facebook as of Monday morning while the cable network readied for the show’s July 31 debut. Allegations that cast members have ties to those involved in the controversial video that apparently shows a shark being dragged to its death behind a powerboat prompted the effort. The video surfaced on social media last week, sparking outrage.

“Do the right thing MTV and cancel this show,” organizers of the Facebook page wrote late last week when launching the effort. “Known animal abusers will be appearing on it.”

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“Siesta Key” is a docuseries that focuses on a group of young adults who return home to the prominent beach community for the summer. The show is reportedly unscripted and features seven locals, including Alex Kompothecras. Alex is the son of Gary Kompothecras, the chiropractor behind the 1-800-ASK-GARY medical and legal referral service. Gary Kompothecras reportedly ponied up the cash for the show’s pilot.

While the show’s cast members are not involved in the controversial shark dragging video, boycotters allege they are connected with the three men who were.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is continuing to investigate the shark video. Although it has not publicly identified the men involved, people on social media have. Patch is not releasing the names since official charges have not been filed. One of the men allegedly involved issued an apology last week, calling himself a “conservationist.”

See also: Shark Video Apology: Man Calls Himself A 'Conservationist'

The controversy ignited when Miami Beach’s Mark “The Shark” Quartiano, a professional shark hunter, was sent a copy of the video on Monday, July 24. He described the footage, that appears to show a power boat dragging a 6-foot black tip shark, as “evil.” Quartiano said the video appears to have been shot in the Bradenton area and was sent to him through social media, ostensibly for his "blessing" as a prominent shark hunter.

"I guess when they caught it, they brought it to the boat and they tied a rope around its tail and proceeded to drag it through the ocean," Quartiano explained. "That’s definitely evil to do that to an innocent creature. It’s one thing killing them humanely like we do. That’s totally disrespect."

That alleged disrespect for wildlife is what prompted the boycott’s organizers to launch their effort, the Facebook page explained. The people behind the page have not identified themselves but say they are three “women who want to be the voices for the animals.”

MTV released a trailer for “Siesta Key” earlier this month. The show is set to debut at 10 p.m. on the cable channel. As of Monday morning, the network’s website showed plans for the debut remained in place. The show’s Twitter feed was also active with teases for the premiere.

A watch party planned at the Siesta Key Cinebistro was canceled for Monday night. The Sarasota Herald Tribune reported that threats made to cast members forced the cancellation.

To find out more about “Siesta Key,” visit MTV online. To check out the boycott, visit its Facebook page. A trailer for the show may also be viewed below:

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Screenshot and video courtesy of MTV’s YouTube channel