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Channel 4 cleared over 'Big Brother' words

Channel 4 did not breach Ofcom's programme code when it aired Emily Parr's use of the 'n' word and Laura Williams' use of the word '****' during Big Brother earlier this year.

450 viewers complained to Ofcom after Parr referred to fellow housemate Charley Uchea's dancing as "pushing it out you n*****", resulting in her eviction from the house on the basis that Big Brother does not tolerate racist language or behaviour.

Noting that "the broadcasters’ right to broadcast such material and the audience’s right to receive it is an important principle," and that "the Big Brother audience expects to see all aspects of the housemates’ characters exposed during their stay in the house", Ofcom said that Channel 4 did not breach rules in the programme code because the inclusion of the word was surrounded by context that made it clear that its use was "offensive and unacceptable".

Ofcom also rejected complaints that Channel 4 compromised the welfare of Parr, noting that "adults make informed decisions about their participation in such programmes" and adding that "Ofcom cannot consider complaints of unfairness made by the general public on behalf of participants in programmes".

200 viewers complained about Williams' use of the word '****' - once when she tickled fellow housemate Liam McGough's foot, and the second when in conversation with Gerry Stergiopoulos. The complainants said that the word is equally offensive as the one uttered by Parr, and that Williams should therefore have also been evicted from the house.

Channel 4 explained to Ofcom that programme editors considered the inclusion of Williams' remarks "very important" as it highlighted "an intimate exchange" between housemates. It added that Williams' "best friend and ally", Seany O'Kane, "had been very comfortable using the word". It admitted that it had "underestimated" the level of offence caused by the transmission of the word on the first occasion and that on the second occasion Williams was warned in the diary room that "inappropriate or offensive language... includ[ing] homophobic language such as '****'" is not tolerated on the programme.

Ofcom noted that Williams' use of the word was not "intended as a homophobic reference" and that when it was used, it "was not directed at a gay person" unlike when Parr directed the 'n' word at a black person.

The regulator added: "Ofcom is sympathetic to the concerns voiced by complainants about the use of the word “poof”; especially where it might be emulated by younger viewers, with the consequent risk of bullying at school. Broadcasters are therefore reminded to exercise care about the frequency with, and context in, which the word is broadcast."

Source:- Digital Spy
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