‘Siesta Key’ premieres on MTV amid controversy over viral video

Amid the threats of protests and severe reaction to the video of a speed boat dragging a shark, the local premiere and fundraising event was canceled. But like in show business, the show went on.

The pilot episode of MTV’s new show “Siesta Key,” which “chronicles a group of young adults as they document their escapades during the warmest months of the year in their gorgeous hometown,” premiered at 10 p.m. Monday.

You either loved it, or you hated it; but the internet was definitely watching.

By the time the show was over, “Siesta Key” generated a mix of reviews on social media.

Tweets ranged from “5 minutes into Siesta Key, and I’m already cringing,” “worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” having “huge high hopes this could work,” to being “veeery reminiscent of Laguna Beach.”

There were all the keys for an MTV reality show, gorgeous backdrops, beautiful people, an awkward conversation and a few tears. But no matter if viewers thought it was “cheesy,” “so bad I may vomit,” or fell in love with the show, the hour-long episode drew plenty of attention from Twitter users.

But a quick search for “Siesta Key” cast member Alex Kompothecras on Twitter brings up several comments about his suspected association with those who made a video that surfaced last week of a shark being dragged behind a boat at high speed. Meanhwhile, others compared him to the “modern-day Jay Gatsby” for his ability to throw a lavish party.

The show originated from a pilot financially backed by Dr. Gary Kompothecras, Alex’s father and a chiropractor known for creating the 1-800-Ask-Gary referral service.

However, Monday night’s red-carpet event at CineBistro at the Westfield Siesta Key mall for the premier showing of MTV’s new reality show “Siesta Key” was shut down Sunday.

Refunds were offered to those who purchased tickets for the premiere by contacting events@sostaged.com or by calling 941-870-8089, according to CineBistro’s Facebook page.

The shutdown stemmed from controversy after connections were made on social media between a cast member of the show and individuals accused of posting photos and videos of abuse to marine life on the internet. The images went viral and have sparked outrage.

Alex Kompothecras reported receiving death threats after social media had exploded with posts that said he was friends with one of the people who made the video of suspected animal abuse.

“I had nothing to do with the shark video. Yes he’s a friend of mine, but no I don’t agree with what he did,” Alex Kompothecras recently posted to his Instagram.

A protest was orchestrated by a Facebook page Siesta Key Animal Abuse Protest and the Boycott Siesta Key MTV protest group created on Facebook.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota Police Departments all stated Monday they are not aware of investigations into any threats concerning the “Siesta Key” cast member.

The next episode of “Siesta Key” will air Monday, Aug. 7, according to the show’s official Twitter account.

Bradenton Herald reporter Richard Dymond contributed to this report.

This story was originally published July 31, 2017 at 5:01 PM with the headline "‘Siesta Key’ premieres on MTV amid controversy over viral video."