Not all movie-goers are rushing to see the sexually charged, new sequel film "50 Shades Darker." In fact, religious freedom campaigner Naghmeh Abedini, former wife of previously imprisoned Pastor Saeed Abedini, countered the release of the film by instead supporting a grassroots movement to combat domestic abuse and sexual violence.
"These kinds of movies and the porn industry promote a culture of abuse that is so dark and evil, and it feeds into serious social issues, such as domestic violence, child pornography [and child abuse] as well as human trafficking and slavery," Abedini wrote on her Facebook page.
Deemed erotic drama, when "50 Shades of Grey," the first of a planned movie trilogy was launched, several advocacy groups across North America put their weight behind a grassroots effort called #50DollarsNot50Shades, to dissuade consumers from buying tickets for the film and to encourage them to donate to a domestic violence shelter or agency instead, according to the campaign's Facebook page.
The reason the "50 Shades" movies are being criticized is largely due to the so-called romantic relationship between the movie's main characters, Christian and Ana, being characterized by intimate partner violence. "Using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definitions, researchers found that emotional abuse and sexual violence were pervasive throughout, noting that emotional abuse was present 'in nearly every interaction,' wrote Caitlin Roper of the Huffington Post. "This was evidenced in stalkings, such as tracking Ana's movements via phone and computer technology, limiting Ana's social involvement, intimidation and threats."
The #50Dollars campaign organizers ask people to donate $50 to a woman's shelter instead of spending that money to see the films.
Abedini asked her followers to donate to a local Boise, Idaho, woman's shelter called Safe Place ministries. "I will be donating $50 to the local woman's shelter. I encourage you all to do the same as you feel led," she wrote.
Abedini claims to know first-hand about what she described as marital violence. She drew nationwide attention when her husband was imprisoned in an Iranian prison between 2012-2015. The pastor, a former Muslim, said he was jailed for being a Christian and refusing to renounce his faith. She spoke with high-profile people, such as former President Barack Obama, and made presentations before Congress and the U.N. while advocating for the freedom of her now-estranged husband.
She announced last year that she and Saeed would be divorcing. Naghmeh alleged that Saeed had committed abuse in their marriage, which is an accusation that Saeed denied.
See previous coverage from The Gospel Herald: Naghmeh Abedini Advocates for Imprisoned Pastor Husband: 'I Cannot Deny Saeed's Love, Passion for Jesus,' Despite Marital Abuse
Saeed Abedini: American Pastor Freed from Iran Prison Along with Three Other Americans
Saeed Abedini Expected to Finally Reach U.S. Soil, Wife Naghmeh Asks for Healing Prayers
Saeed Abedini, Christian Pastor Freed From Iranian Prison, Says He Prayed 20 Hours a Day
