Viewers were left confused after a graphic appeared advising an episode of NINJA WARRIOR had been edited due to legal proceedings in the US
The special episode Ninja Warrior Australia v The World, which was broadcast on Tuesday night, contained the unexpected warning for viewers.
According to a Nine spokesperson:
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“Due to legal proceedings currently involving one of the members of team USA, Channel Nine has made the decision not show his run in tonight’s episode of Ninja Warrior Australia v The World.”
Those legal proceedings relate to American Ninja Warrior winner Drew Drechsel who has been arrested on child-sex related charges.
According to USA Today Drechsel, 31, has been charged “with seeking sex with a minor and inducing her to send him sexual explicit images.”
NBC, the US broadcaster of Ninja Warrior says they will remove his scenes from an episode set to broadcast on September 7. The media company also issued a statement about the charges faced by the contestant:
“We are shocked and disturbed to learn about the charges alleged against Drew Drechsel,” the network said in a statement. “‘American Ninja Warrior’ is a family show that has inspired countless people, and we will not let the actions of one contestant tarnish the hard work and amazing stories of so many. Moving forward, the American Ninja Warrior brand will sever all ties with Mr. Drechsel, including his appearance on future seasons of the show.”
For his part, Drechsel maintains his innocence.
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