Update: MTV shuns responsibility for stunts
NEW YORK (AP) - MTV says it's upsetting when young people injure themselves with the popular show "Jackass" in mind but insists it isn't responsible for viewers who try dangerous stunts. The show is in the media glare after a handful of copycat cases and an incident in Kentucky on Monday in which friends filmed a 16-year-old boy being hit by a car - although there was some question about whether "Jackass" had anything to do with that case. "Jackass" premiered in October and quickly became MTV's most popular series. Its star, Johnny Knoxville, has been doused with pepper spray, sat in a portable bathroom when it was tipped over, and lay down on a barbecue in a fire-resistant suit hung with steaks. A 13-year-old Connecticut boy suffered second-degree burns imitating the steak stunt in January. An 11-year-old boy, also from Connecticut, was burned copying a stunt where he soaked a rag with engine degreaser, wrapped it around his leg and set it on fire. On Sunday, a 19-year-old Minnesota man told police he was inspired by "Jackass" when he stopped traffic by running around with a chain saw in the rain, dressed in a hospital gown. The Kentucky victim broke his leg and suffered other injuries when he hurtled over the hood of a car intentionally driven into him by friends. MTV executives would not comment on "Jackass" Wednesday.

A spokeswoman, Jeannie Kedas, said it's "incredibly upsetting" when young people hurt themselves, but MTV is not responsible. She wouldn't say what options are being considered. "Jackass," which airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET, has ended its season of original episodes and is about to go into reruns. MTV runs a disclaimer, both orally and in print, at the beginning of each "Jackass" episode telling viewers they shouldn't reenact any activity performed on the show. MTV also tells viewers it does not accept tapes submitted by viewers who want to be on "Jackass." Although MTV said "Jackass" is aimed at viewers age 18 to 24 and carries a TV-MA rating. There was some doubt Wednesday whether "Jackass" had anything to do with the Kentucky incident. The Independence, Ky., police department said in its report that the boys were copying "Jackass." But Eric Deters, a lawyer who represents a friend of the boys, said his client insists the incident had nothing to do with "Jackass." MTV points out that "Jackass" has never run a stunt in which someone gets hit by a car. A commercial for a sneaker currently airing nationwide does.