Julian Fellowes defends Downton Abbey rape scene: 'If we wanted it to be sensationalist we'd have filmed it all' Oscar-winning writer said director showed restraint He claims a more graphic version of the rape scene could have been filmed Sunday's episode has been the subject of more than 200 complaints Restraint: Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes, pictured, said show bosses could have shot a more graphic rape scene than the one which was aired on Sunday Julian Fellowes has defended the airing of a rape scene in this week's episode of Downton Abbey. Answering criticism that rape scene had been sensationalist, the Oscar-winning writer said he supported ITV's decision to screen the sex attack of a maid by a visiting valet. In the episode, aired on Sunday night, Joanna Froggatt's character, Anna Bates, was attacked by Mr Green, played by EastEnders actor Nigel Harman. It sparked more than 200 complaints to ITV and Ofcom with many saying it was too strong for a Sunday night. However, Mr Fellowes said the director had shown restraint in cutting away to other rooms of the house and it could have been much more graphic. He told the BBC: 'The whole point of the way we do things on Downton is we don't do them gratuitously. We are interested in exploring the resultant emotions and the effect these things have on people. 'If we'd have wanted a sensational rape we could have stayed down in the kitchen with the camera during the whole thing and wrung it out. 'The point of our handling is not that we're interested in sensationalising but we're interested in exploring the mental damage and the emotional damage.' Joanne Froggatt has also defended the storyline, saying she is 'proud' of Downton Abbey for tackling the controversial subject. The star said it was a 'brave' move by programme-makers to feature such a difficult scene in the normally gentile Sunday night series. ITV warned viewers about upsetting scenes before the start of the period drama, but it still received 'around 60 complaints' by Monday .