Leaders of a Hutterite colony are demanding an apology from the National Geographic Society and a pledge that it never again broadcast a television show they say misrepresented their way of life and damaged their reputation.

National Geographic Channel CEO David Lyle said Wednesday an apology is unwarranted because the show gave a fair and accurate depiction of colony life.

Caught in the middle are the stars of the show who say they have been told by elders to "tell the truth" but some of whom now fear possible excommunication.

"That's what I'm scared of," said Bertha Hofer about the possibility of being cut off from the King Ranch colony.

King Ranch colony minister John Hofer, Bertha's brother in law, wrote a July 31 letter to National Geographic Society chairman and CEO John Fahey that "American Colony: Meet The Hutterites" was supposed to be a National Geographic Channel documentary about the German-speaking agricultural community of Protestants in central Montana.