MrJetztv videos generate controversy
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WINNIPEG -- He says he's only having fun with a camera, but a Winnipeg man shooting what he describes as "Girls Gone Wild"-style videos -- under the name of Mr. Jetz TV -- is being watched by police.
Darrell Ackman has posted on YouTube several video clips in which he approaches young women with his camera -- catching some off-guard -- on streets and outside bars.
"I talk to pretty much anyone who I feel would be good for a video -- someone who has a personality," Ackman, 42, said Tuesday in comparing his activity to that seen in mail-order videos beginning in the 1990s.
"It's kind of like Girls Gone Wild. Really, that's what it's turned into. But it's all fun."
In his clips, Ackman -- who faces a prostitution-related criminal charge in Florida -- videotapes women in various places. One of the videos, shot from outside a fitness centre's window, shows a woman exercising inside -- apparently unaware she's on camera.
Though he's heard referring to "Jetz TV" in some of the videos when approaching the people on camera, and sometimes wears apparel of the Winnipeg Jets, his videos have no connection to the NHL team.
Jets spokesman Scott Brown said only that the team knows about the videotaping, and that it's not associated with Ackman in any way.
Ackman said he has "about 100" videos posted under the name Mr. Jetz TV, and that he has removed many because of concerns expressed by those who had been in them.
A Winnipeg police spokeswoman said officers are aware of Ackman "and some questionable videos" online, and are investigating.
Ackman stressed that he's not making money through the videos, but added he's "trying to be like Justin Bieber," the pop star who became famous and wealthy after gaining attention through amateur online performance clips.
Karen Busby, a University of Manitoba law professor, said Ackman is "walking a fine line" with his videos, but so far appears to be doing nothing criminal with respect to the people in them. She added, though, that the Jets could take legal action against him.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they're contemplating it. Their name is being hurt through this association," Busby said. "Clearly, he's playing on an association with the Jets in order to create the buzz around this, and to get people interested in it."
Ackman confirmed he's been charged by police in the Miami area, where he had lived for eight years, for an alleged offence related to the sex trade. The charge has not been dealt with in court. He said he began shooting the videos after returning about 18 months ago to his hometown of Winnipeg.
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