Graham Norton criticised for lesbian comment
September 28th, 2009
The BBC has reprimanded Graham Norton for making an offensive comment about lesbians.
A viewer complained to the BBC that Norton had reinforced a negative stereotype about lesbians’ appearance.
During an episode of his chat show broadcast in March 2009, Norton, who is openly gay, made the comments about a model in an image used on a patent application.
Norton remarked “I don’t know why they’ve got some strange lesbian to be the model.” Norton’s guest, Ruth Jones of sitcome Gavin and Stacey replied “She may not be a lesbian, come on now… what does a lesbian look like?” Norton pointed to the photograph and replied “That”. He then added “Anyway, there’s nothing wrong with being a lesbian.”
The BBC’s Editorial Complaints Unit upheld the viewer’s complaint.
“Although the initial references might have been inoffensive if considered on their own, they prompted an exchange with one of the programme’s guests which gave the references the appearance of perpetuating or reinforcing a potentially offensive stereotype,” the BBC said.
“The programme team were reminded of the need to avoid any possibility of being seen to endorse offensive sexual stereotypes.”
The fact that people complain about ridiculous jokes like this is what in fact reinforces negative stereotypes of lesbians. Having a bit of a sense of humour about ourselves and our sexuality would be much more progressive!
Carrie ∼ September 28th, 2009 12:23 pmi don’t agree that it is progressive to allow high profile people on tv to make comments like that without challenging them. the same comments are made in playgrounds and we all know what those seeds can grow in to.
lacey ∼ September 28th, 2009 3:07 pmI’d like to thank Ruth Jones in all this for calling Graham on this and not let the comment slip - that’s where the progress is, challenging comments like this. My respect for her has grown, and I was already a big fan of hers before this.
Cait ∼ September 29th, 2009 11:10 pm