Harry Potter and the Inappropriate Horseplay

The times, they are a-changin'. Seeking to break free of his most famous persona, Daniel Radcliffe is shedding the lightning scar, the glasses... and everything else.

Equus, by Peter Shaffer, tells the tale of a disturbed young man who literally worships horses. He is taken into psychiatric custody after blinding an entire stable's worth.

The play is perhaps best known for an extended nude scene, which in this case includes Radcliffe. Reaction from parents of Potter fans has been strong to say the least.

"We as parents feel Daniel should not appear nude. Our nine-year-old son looks up to him as a role model."

Question: What's Radcliffe doing wrong, exactly? He's an adult. He doesn't want to be typecast by the only role he's known for the world over. The play is extremely inappropriate for young audiences, so the kiddies likely won't be going. Not if their parents have anything to say about it. If children were able to see the play, are parents afraid their children will go out assaulting livestock while in the nude?

They seemed to have little problem with Radcliffe casting magic spells, running away from home, ignoring and lying to authority figures, breaking school rules, playing with swords and oh yes, killing teachers.

Concerned parents (likely Americans) have promised to boycott Radcliffe's future movies. To which I have to say: Yeah. Right. Parents wishing to stop their children from seeing Harry Potter movies would have an easier time preventing the sun from rising. It is a force of nature. As the sun will come up, so will children watch Harry Potter.

Just sayin'.