Channel 4 cleared in Big Brother contestant's use of racist word

Published on Tuesday 6 November 2007 00:46

CHANNEL 4 has been cleared over this summer's Big Brother race row, in which a contestant used the word n*****.

The media watchdog Ofcom ruled the broadcaster was right to show student Emily Parr using the term because the programme made clear that her comment was offensive and unacceptable.

The regulator also rejected viewer accusations of double standards over Channel 4's decision to evict Ms Parr while keeping in a housemate who used "homophobic" language.

Laura Williams twice used the term p*** on the show - but the first comment went unchallenged and the second earned her only a reprimand in the Diary Room.

Ms Parr's comment and subsequent departure prompted 450 complaints to Ofcom, while Ms Williams attracted 200.

A number of viewers complained the phrase Ms Williams used is just as offensive to gay people as Ms Parr's remark is to black people.

But in a ruling published yesterday, Ofcom cleared the programme of discrimination and double standards.

"In our view, it is not possible to establish definitively the degree of offence that use of the word 'p***' can cause in all contexts," the watchdog said. "For example, it is clear that within the gay community itself, the word can be used in a playful, affectionate or self-deprecating way.

"There is insufficient or no evidence to suggest that Laura Williams used the word complained of in a [derogatory] way."

Channel 4 said it "underestimated" the potential offence caused by the first episode, which became clear when viewers complained, and when Ms Williams used the term again, she was told Big Brother would not tolerate homophobic language. By contrast, Ms Parr was removed from the house after asking black housemate Charley Uchea "are you pushing it out, you n*****?" as they danced around the living room.