The Austin TV Festival canceled a panel discussion titled “Viewer Discretion Advised,” in light of the mass shootings in Orlando, the deadliest in American history.
The discussion would have featured showrunners discussing “to what extent the violence shown in their series is needed and appropriate to authentically tell their story.”
Panelists scheduled to appear included Kurt Sutter (“Sons of Anarchy”), Jack Amiel (“The Knick”), Brian Michael Bendis (“Powers”), Noah Hawley (“Fargo”) and Universal TV VP of drama Stacey Silverman.
ATX co-founders Emily Gipson and Caitlin McFarland made the decision early this morning. In a message posted on Twitter and Facebook, they said, “Out of respect for victims of the tragedy in Orlando last night, we won’t be holding the Viewer Discretion Advised panel today. While it is a very important conversation to have, today does not feel like the the time to have it. Viewer Discretion Advised panel is cancelled.”
“Powers” producer Bendis, who was scheduled to appear on the panel, also tweeted the news. “Out of respect and due to security issue, my last panel @ATX Festival is cancelled,” he wrote. “I’m going home to be with my family. I hope you do the same.”
