Bumfights: A Video Too Far (five): A DODGY preview tape from ITV1 - as unwatchable as any new comedy series on that channel - robbed me of seeing posh girls swapping places with poor girls in the latest twist on the reality TV genre.

It's called Poor Little Rich Girls, which makes you think that executives hit on a good title and then mould a programme to fit round it.

The sight and sound of a glamour model living the life of a Liverpool hairdresser couldn't possibly have been as alarming as tonight's Bumfights, one documentary in a reality-heavy night on TV.

Described as being about film-makers who paid tramps to fight, this might make you laugh nervously. The reality, and this was far more real than anything labelled "reality TV", was as "shocking and degrading" as the narrator suggested.

The result of the Bumfights video - which showed exactly what it said on the label: bums fighting - was soul-searching and law suits, as people pondered on this new and deeply disturbing type of reality TV.

Skateboarder Ryan McPherson, who came from a comfortable middle-class background in San Diego, hit upon the idea of paying homeless drunks and addicts to fight each other and undertake dangerous stunts.

Fuelled by booze, drugs and the promise of a few dollars, these men punched each other, set themselves on fire, and were tattooed.

Yes, admitted McPherson, there was fighting and violence but it was also truthful. He didn't see it as exploitation of those less fortunate than others in society, more as a "mutually beneficial relationship with the homeless".

He and his friends sold the 50-minute video on the Internet and, in a sad reflection of today's society, found plenty of buyers. One estimate put their earnings at $6m.

Bumfights was bad enough. The copycat video nasties that followed were even worse.

One gang in Las Vegas went around beating people and fighting, all the while videotaping the violence with the intention of selling the tapes. Some 20 to 30 Bumfights-style videos have come to light. It has become a worldwide industry.

Before you say "only in America...", be aware that late last year, four Australian teenagers decided to make their own Bumfights video. When the homeless person selected to star wouldn't take part, they set his makeshift shelter on fire. He died, and they've been charged with murder.

And what of young McPherson, whose idea kickstarted the whole genre? He was taken to court, but acquitted on felony charges. He was only found guilty of promoting an illegal prize fight and sentenced to community service.

He appears not to have changed his ways. He's planning a new film featuring prostitutes, crack addicts and - I kid you not - the mentally ill.

Published: 26/05/2004