MTV’s “Jackass” no more

MTV has yanked its controversial Jackass series following the resignation of its popular host, Johnny Knoxville. The show set off a blaze of political controversy after several youths were injured attempting to recreate stunts performed on the show — causing Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman to remark: “There are some things that are so potentially dangerous and inciting, particularly to vulnerable children, that they simply should not be put on TV, and this is clearly one that crosses the line.” As an apparent result of the controversy, MTV cut back on promotions for the show, something that Knoxville, in an interview with Monday’s Knoxville News-Sentinel, described as “frustrating.” He told the newspaper that he wanted to quit while he was still ahead. “With this kind of comedy,” he said, “people become inured to the shock value.”