C4 cleared in Big Brother race row

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Media watchdog Ofcom ruled that the broadcaster was right to show student Emily Parr using the word "n****r" 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 Parr while keeping in a housemate who used "homophobic" language.

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

Parr was removed from the house after telling black housemate Charley Uchea "Are you pushing it out, you n****r?" as they danced around the living room.

Her comment prompted 450 complaints to Ofcom, while Williams attracted a further 200.

A number of viewers complained that the word "poof" is just as offensive to gay people as "n****r" is to black people.

But in a ruling, Ofcom cleared the programme of discrimination and double standards, adding that the word presented some difficulties for regulators.

"In our view, it is not possible or appropriate at present to establish definitively the degree of offence use of the word 'poof' can cause in all contexts," the watchdog said.

But 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.