Tusk shared that he plans to discuss the issue with coalition leaders, state news agency PAP has reported.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Tusk acknowledged he is "not a fan" of such events, which he called “spectacles that promote brutality and vulgarity in a flashy way.” Though he refrained from endorsing censorship outright, Tusk emphasized the need to protect children from exposure to this type of content, which he said "is worse than pornography."
Tusk suggested that similar restrictions to those on adult content or alcohol advertisements could be considered for freak fights, potentially limiting access based on viewing hours. He clarified that no formal measures are currently in place, but he remains open to ideas that could prevent children from engaging with such content.
Polish ombudsman calls for closer scrutiny
The issue has also gained attention from Poland’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Marcin Wiącek, who spoke on the matter with private broadcaster Polsat News. He noted that while complete bans on such events may not be feasible due to economic freedoms, there is a “moral boundary” regarding how much exposure is suitable for younger audiences.
“The state has an obligation to prevent the moral degradation of children and youth,” Wiącek said, emphasizing that any regulatory measures would need to balance economic freedoms with the welfare of children. He also called for a review of whether these events may involve criminal behavior or contribute to youth demoralization.
The Ombudsman’s office had previously raised concerns about freak-fight events. In August, Deputy Commissioner Stanisław Trociuk urged relevant authorities, including the National Broadcasting Council and the Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw, to assess the potential impacts on young viewers.
(jh)
Source: PAP