Accusations of sexism against James Bond are nothing new, as the British spy is renowned for his womanising ways — the 007 agent only has to blink an eye to summon an endless array of glamorous women with the names like Pussy Galore, Octopussy and Honey Ryder.
However a UK charity is now calling for the world famous spy to stop forcing himself on women and to get an “enthusiastic yes” before having sex. The Family Planning Association (FPA) believes Bond sets a bad example to boys by failing to get clear consent before romping, The Sun reports.
The charity wants Bond — and other TV and film characters — to ask for consent before any on-screen sexual activity takes place, as part of its ‘Consent: Yes, yes, yes!’ campaign.
Natika Halil, chief executive of the FPA, reportedly said: “We hope that a closer look at Hollywood’s sex scenes using FPA’s Consent Test will encourage healthier depictions of consent on the big screen.
“Bond in particular, famed for his prowess, should set a good example to viewers by slowing down the action and getting an enthusiastic yes before having sex.”
The charity has identified multiple occasions when Bond assaulted women — in Goldfinger he corners Pussy Galore, throws her to the floor and pins her down before kissing her, while in Thunderball he forcibly kisses nurse who is checking his injuries.
It comes after director Danny Boyle said he wants to bring James Bond up to speed with the modern world, amid the impact of the current #MeToo and Time’s Up campaigns.
Read more: Judi Dench slams PC plans for James Bond
Earlier this year, Judi Dench shot down a campaign for a female actress to play the iconic spy. The actress, who has played M (head of the Secret Intelligence Service) in eight James Bond films, has said that Bond should be a man. Asked if she would like see a female lead, Dench said: “Not much, no. I think it should be a man. But who knows,” The Sun reported.
British actor Idris Elba also fuelled speculation that he could be the next Bond recently, as he posted a cryptic message on Twitter which read: “My name’s Elba, Idris Elba.” The Luther star would be the first non-white actor to slip into Bond’s shoes.