[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by Lauren
No, instead of directing it at one person she encapsulated a large social group - how could this possibly be better?

Like Emily, she didn't mean it in an offensive manner - yet Emily was ejected.

What kind of message is this passing on?

The etymology of the word may not have as many negative roots as the 'n' word - however, it's been used in homophobic attacks, and so is just as offensive.

Did she walk over to one of the cameras, and make a formal announcement?

Emily was addressing someone who was extremely likely to be offended by what she said. Laura was addressing a straight man, who had spent the day dressed as, from his own description, 'a gimp'. By definition, if you've a problem with Laura's comment then you should also have a problem with Channel 4, for promoting a negative (and therefore offensive) stereotype and with all of the other hm's who suggested Liam's costume would interest Gerry. And Channel 4 for using footage of Gerry when Liam walked into the bedroom, Dermot O'Dreary for making even more of an issue of that on BBLB, etc. And why was Piggy allowed to get away with referring to all of the girls as 'lesbians'? He, and all of the hm's involved in what we saw on tonight's highlights show should also be removed, and Dermot O'Dreary should be sacked. Getting silly now? Well hey, we may as well all get in on the act.

The message that Emily's apologists think they've found a loophole?

Emily used what's very probably the worst term imaginable in that context. What Laura said is nothing like as offensive as terms that begin with q, or f, etc. Sticks' point earlier in the thread is valid - it's only a homophobic insult when used maliciously. The word Emily used has no such variations.