Keira Knightley's Anti-Domestic Violence Ad Ruled Too Violent For TV

April 27, 2009 1:24 p.m. EST

London, England (CNS) - Keira Knightley's anti-domestic violence ad has been deemed too violent for the British viewers. The public service announcement (PSA) for the Women's Aid charity has been banned for broadcast in the U.K.

The said ad features the 24-year-old actress returning home from a long shooting day at work when her boyfriend confronts her for having an affair with a co-star. He then brutally attacked her, kicking her repeatedly even after she had slumped to the floor in helpless defeat.

"The Cut," directed by "Atonement" helmer Joe Wright, was shown in British cinemas this month, but won't likely end up on the small screen unless the final vicious scenes are edited. Advertising overseer Clearcast wants several scenes cut from the ad, claiming the violence in the final scenes is too shocking for TV viewers.

Sandra Horely, chief executive of charity Refuge, which assists women and children to escape domestic violence, said that Clearcast's decision is "pathetic."

She told NZ Herald, "It seems pathetic. It is really important to raise awareness about domestic violence, and TV gets into people's homes."