Reader views (49)

 Add your view

get a life you so called do gooders dubeks remark was made of the cuff and in private the dogooders on a witch hunt again to get another scalp shame that some of this lot dont live in real world . come up where i stay you soon find out about rasist remarks especialy if your english they just love to

- R Sibly, scotland, 09/10/2009 11:14
Report abuse

Anyone who thinks the word "paki" is an abbreviation for pakistani must be thick- since when was it an abbreviation? The word "Brit" can be found in the dictionary as an abbreviation, can "Paki", er I don't think so!! You DUMB PLANKS!!!

- Anon, Kent, 08/10/2009 21:14
Report abuse

This country has gone mad treading on eggshells as not to offend people Every time the slightest thing is said out of context the race card is thrown at them Get a life we all get called names we dont like!! Leave Anton Du Beke alone he s a great character

- Eileen Taylor, wales uk, 08/10/2009 18:54
Report abuse

It is EXTREMELY offensive to have used the term paki as it is not an abbreviation nor is it a word that anyone should use in jest. It is a derogatory term and clearly amounts to racism.

Apologies Mr Du Beck, to call someone a paki its not a bit of a laugh your explanation is weak!!!

Being of pakistani orgin I am a little annoyed that in this day and age, a so called gentleman who is only a few years older than myself would think it acceptable to call someone a paki . The way he used the word and his reasons for doing so just adds fuel to the fire, giving the impression that it is an insult to look asian.

I can honestly say not one of my friends or work collegues would in jest say 'you coming to lunch paki' its just not done.

The worst thing is that Strictly Come Dancing is a family show, the fact that Mr Du Beck has not been punished in any way is telling everyone out there its ok to use these offensive words.

Oh and Kev from London it is not a frigging abbreviation... and it is an insult, I guess you dont have any asian mates then...



Rosie, London

- Rosie, South London, 06/10/2009 18:29
Report abuse

This is appalling . Du Beke is free to call Laila a "Paki" and feels perfectly vindicated as such is said in "jest". But this is not a "south park " moment those terms are deeply offensive and loaded with painful history . Imagine calling someone a "limey" ,or a "n*****" only in jest . It's not acceptable and what can Laila do . She is in a dreadful situation as the new poster child of BBC is free to spout off his racist vitriol. Anyone who thinks those terms are acceptable should remember the term is used by the BNP and the former NF so feel free to use them you're in good company . No the terms are not like Brit or Aussie they are terms used to demean, disrespect and pillory people from an ethnic background .Wise Up BBC at least Carol Thatcher had the cahounes to stcik to her guns when she used the term "golliwog" she was describing a stuffed toy that was mass produced and had no racial intention this is far worse du beck thinks it's okay to disparage his dance partner with racist vitriol and he must be sanctioned . The BBC is hypocritial and nauseatingly stupid .

- Luella, London, 06/10/2009 16:58
Report abuse

I'm guessing those that are defending the the use of the term "Paki" are all white?

This term is one of the most offensive, racist names out there. In the 70's, racists used to use this term with venom and spite. It has no place in a modern, civilised society.

Those who argue that it's the same as Brits, Poms, Aussie's etc etc, when was this followed by a beating from racist thugs? These are clearly NOT in the same league of offense.

Those who defend the casual use of racist terms and then claim the PC crew overreact, this is the 21st Century, the world has moved on, Britain is not a colonial power anymore!

- Decency, London, UK, 06/10/2009 15:02
Report abuse

Srictly will be well pleased with all this free publicity on such trivia. I think it is obvious that Anton did not intend to offend, but was due to ignorance and will surely not use this word again. I don't think he would have used it had he thought it was racist. What is worse I think is that it was used in reference to colour of skin. Political Correctness is getting to be very confusing. Is there a book or dictionary available to let us all know what words we can use without being sacked or condemned. I remember using the word 'girl' in a Post Office in Jamaica and being blasted for it. The context in which it was used was when I was asked to point out who had attended to me on a previous occasion. I pointed to the teenage girl across the room and said 'that girl there'. I asked the Post Mistress what word I should have used and she told me I should have said 'young lady'. This was due to my ignorance and no offence was intended and I apologiised for it. I knew that I could not use the word 'boy' but was not aware that the same stigma was attached to a girl. Things have changed and especially people in the public eye should better acquaint themselves with appropriate terms. Why do we use Afro-American and not American and not use Irish American. Are Cubans with American citizenship called Americans? I am Scottish and have heard many derogatory terms directed to my origin but we Scots are hard skinned and ignore the comments of the uneducated.

- June, London, 06/10/2009 11:26
Report abuse

What is all the fuss about, having been born with red hair I had to take all kinds of jibes at school and I still do sometimes. Everyone has to learn to take lighthearted comments, not meant to be offensive just "teasing". When he realised she may have been offended he apologised, After what Jonathan Ross said (which I thought was disgusting) and that other idiot comedian -can't remember his name- Anton's remark was mild to say the least. Ross still fronts a prime time TV show and earns millions to boot. So shut up everyone and whatch the show. Bring back Arlene I say!

- Gill, Leigh on Sea, Essex UK, 06/10/2009 10:20
Report abuse

Oh you poor little flower. I've lost count of the times I have been called "Taffy" and when I first moved to London my boss used to call me Blodwyn because he thought it was the silliest name he had every heard. Did I get offended and upset? NO I DIDN'T. We are being forced to be humourless because of the daft PC Brigade.

- Maggie Crosland James, Canvey Island, Essex, 06/10/2009 10:17
Report abuse

If he made the remark on screen, he might care to apologize.
But to whom, his partner or Pakistanis ?

If made off screen, it is a private matter, & a very unimportant
one.

Can we please have our language & our freedoms back, unmoderated
by a load politically correct thought police

- British Not Racist, Bracknell England, 06/10/2009 10:05
Report abuse

To all you so called 'do-gooders', get a life or GO HOME!!!! This Country is becoming a place filled with people who are OVER sensitive, cannot take a joke, put everything out of proportion!!! Get a life....LIVE a little....LAUGH at yourselves!!!! I have MANY different Nationalities of friends whom I love and laugh with... we are mature and don't kick up a frenzy over nothing. Use your energy and frustrations on the YOBS and uncouth people of this country !!! Leave Anton alone...he is NOT a racist!!!!! Get a life!!!!!

- Paula, London Central/West End, 06/10/2009 09:24
Report abuse

Life seems so difficult when a simple word has so much impact and we all feed on the outcome, BBC ask Anton to sing the following to Laila:
I'm sorry, I'm bad, I'm sorry, I'm blue
I'm sorry about all things I said to you
And I know, I can't take it back
I love how you kiss, I love all your sounds
And baby, the way you make my world go round
Lets dance the dance as a Personitily your by far the best around.
And I just wanted to say, I'm sorry

- Albert, (Wool Dorset), 06/10/2009 08:06
Report abuse

A shortened name for a 'country is rascism?
I think you 'Brits' (I guess I am a rascist) have lost your minds with political correctness.

- Derek Marlowe, pago pago, 06/10/2009 02:16
Report abuse

Who are the Pakistan Welfare association , and why should we be listening to them exactly ?

- Mr S.Port, London, 06/10/2009 00:18
Report abuse

Will people stop being so bloody precious! There is no reason for him to be sacked. Us white people are called far worse and no-one ever says anything about that. Don't like - turn the television off or leave the country.

- Louie, London, SE, 05/10/2009 23:51
Report abuse

Why is the word "Paki" racist? Could somebody explain that please? It's short for Pakistani, like Brit or Frenchie or Aussie for example. People really do seem to go overboard in England for the slightest thing. The man certainly does not deserve to be sacked. It's all so out of proportion. Real racism should be dealt with harshly, but this reaction trivialises the whole concept of racism, and does no service to true victimes.

- Elizabeth Stevens, rome, italy, 05/10/2009 22:00
Report abuse

Why is it that when comments are made, which are not jumping on the slate anyone who makes a joke about anyone other than a white British person must be sacked/hung drawn and quartered does not get their views put on only those with just as bigotted opinions. To sack Anton DuBek is an overkill, and why can't other races laugh at themselves and take a joke the same as the Irish, Scottish people, the Essex girls etc. If Anton DuBek goes then so should Rouass. I for one will not vote for her again, if she wants to make it racist then why should we go on her dancing skills?

- E Sullivan, London, 05/10/2009 21:41
Report abuse

Isn't it amazing how BNP types have suddenly decided that there is nothing wrong with calling someone a "paki". Pity the recipients don't think the same.

It is and always was a term used by racists to abuse those who looked like they might be Asian. These people don't distinguish between Pakistanis, Indians, Sri Lankans, Bengalis or as in this case those of Arab heritage.

- Ashiq, London, 05/10/2009 21:37
Report abuse

he certainly has very sharp tongue. ý used to be his fan till his rather nasty remark on fat people. he should be more sensitive considering he is an artist. serves him right to be punished.

- Berna Kavadarlý, izmir,turkey, 05/10/2009 21:07
Report abuse

Typical, idiot, humourless pc- liberals baying for his blood. These gimps need to get a life.

- James Baker, Bromley, 05/10/2009 20:33
Report abuse

Who told the press? If it was Laila their relationship is likely to be less than harmonious. Why is the word so controversial? I'm regularly called Taff because I'm Welsh and I know a number of Jocks. Why is everyone so sensitive. If the term was said in a friendly way then what is the fuss about?

- Md, Cardiff, 05/10/2009 20:32
Report abuse

What a load of rubbish from the easily offended hang-'em-high brigade.
The sooner you PC lot get over taking offence at such trivia the better because there is no offence intended especially when it is not directed at anyone. Paki, Paddy, Limey, Yank, Itai etc etc are all in our vocabulary and long may it stay so.

- Mike Coventry, Hertford GB, 05/10/2009 20:10
Report abuse

Being called Paki is not necessarily a racist term. Only a few years ago, before political correctness it was in fairly common usage. It was short for Pakistani. There are many worse names that could have been used.

- Peter, Watford UK, 05/10/2009 19:49
Report abuse

She can't be that upset if shes still dancing with him

- Ed, Ireland, 05/10/2009 18:59
Report abuse

You should all grow up, Pc gone mad. When you sort that out maybe? the country will go onwards and upwards

- Bill Francis-Williams, Beaumont Pied de Beouf, 05/10/2009 18:49
Report abuse

Pressure from whom? A bit of adult banter and someone has to lose their job - says who? I would like to know who leaked this story to the press and why. We seem to have these jumped up individuals who think they have the power of the almighty to dictate how we live our lives and what we can say and what we can`t. I have heard black people being very derogerty to each other - now, as a white person, if I had said some of those things I would have been arrested. Time to grow up. We left the play ground behind years ago.

- B Gare, Norfolk Gorleston, 05/10/2009 18:46
Report abuse

Good job they don't work in the docks, over 38 yrs I have had my ancestry and my mothers past-times, called into question hundreds of times, grow up, these thinks happen, don't be so sensitive.

- Shallotman, Basildon, 05/10/2009 18:40
Report abuse

It's quite staggering just how much political correctness there is here. Take a walk down any street and listen to what langauge ordinary people use. Pakistanis refer to themselves as 'Pakis' the same way as we call ourselves 'poms'. Was it said in a derogatory way to Pakistan? No it was about fake tans, so get a life and get out a bit more. Why is that anything said by a white christian sends people off into orbit. Saddoes

- Antoine Desmoines, London, UK, 05/10/2009 18:27
Report abuse

I was born in the Republic of Ireland. For many years I have had to put up with people of all nationalities talking in stupid accents, which are meant to be Irish sounding, telling me Irish jokes that usually start with Paddy or Mick and saying 'begorragh' after every sentence (I have never heard an Irish person use that word). I have been insulted many times and I assure you all that I am as equally offended as anyone being referred to as a Paki. Why is my situation not treated seriously? I am in no doubt that if I report any of these insults to the Race Relations Board (whoever they are) NOT ONE SINGLE THING will be done about it. For all of the reasons I have stated, NO I do not think Mr. Du Beke should be sacked.

- Mj, East Anglia, 05/10/2009 18:20
Report abuse

I get called a Yank all the time, does that count? Yawn

- Barrie, aldenham, 05/10/2009 18:07
Report abuse

I don't watch the show. But I remember my childhood in London the term Paki had negative connotations. Pakistani's do not like being called Paki's especially when/if it is done in an agressive manner. It was a lot of the time in the 70s and 80s. One would hope that we have moved on from past ignorances which I believe as a Brit we have. However, Paki is short for Pakistan or Pakistani as is Brit short for British! So the answer is where do we draw the line with politcal correctness, which to my mind has gone too far. If I were to add up all the negative comments towards me over the years and sued for hurt feelings I would be a very wealthy idividual. The colour of ones skin makes no difference as to that individuals values and actions. Racism should not be tollerated at any cost. However, someone somewhere will take offence to something every minute of the day, that's life. If the intention is innocent, not done in an agressive manner or not ill meant we should be free to speak as we please. The UK inhabitant has been bullied continuously over the years to accept eveything thrown at it whether it has a say in it or not, usually not, and at the same time has to be grateful for it too! It is about time that we stoped trying to please every one and stopped being petty. We all have to live together in this multicultural society which we have created and will continue to create for ever. Love thy neighbour, be kind to eachother, let us all live in peace, we deserve it!

- Ashley Smithson, st albans, 05/10/2009 17:59
Report abuse

It was a silly and ill thought comment to make. However as in most cases like this hysteria sets in and the dreaded "R" word appears along with the self righteous brigade who start tripping over themselves in calling for him to go. The guy appologised, lets see some intelligence and proportion in dealing with this.

- Steve, Hereford, 05/10/2009 17:52
Report abuse

Kev - If you seriously don't realize that the word "Paki" is solely used as a perjorative term, and genuinely believe it is merely a harmless if lazy abbreviation...then perhaps you should get out a little more.

- Richard, London, 05/10/2009 17:49
Report abuse

Anton Du Beke should not go ,if he caused offence then it was unintentional.Speaking to her directly as he was it is obvious he meant no slight.When there is real racism and discrimination then lets tackle it head on,this is bloody PC drivel and if we go down this route much further we darent speak to one another.

- Tony Essex, Uk, 05/10/2009 17:35
Report abuse

Kev - that is utter nonsense.

Actually, have it your way. Go into one of the more culturally diverse areas of London (Southall, East Ham or some such) and start calling people "Pakis" and then explain you just mean it as a non-offensive short for "Pakistani".

- H, London, 05/10/2009 17:32
Report abuse

He was wrong to say it as nowadays every little slip is an earthquake unless you are Jonathan Ross

- Amazonmothe, hasting, 05/10/2009 17:26
Report abuse

Kev, London-UK.. you live in planet cuckoo!! firstly Laila is Morrocan/Indian so calling her a p*** is not only ignorant but confirms racism. I guess you have had your head burried in the same sand pit as Du Beke.. Good luck in the 21st Century

- Rich, london, 05/10/2009 17:17
Report abuse

I see something called The Pakistan Welfare Association has stuck its oar in. I sincerely hope none of its members ever call me a "Brit", because I'll demand their dismissal - probably along with £100,000 compensation for hurting my delicate feelings.
Really, people: get a life!

- Croyboy, Croydon, 05/10/2009 17:09
Report abuse

oh kev, you are a fine example as to why Du Beck has to be sacked- and you seem to think you know the definition of racisim!!!. I bet you would not use that word to your asian mates' (if you have any whiich i seriously doubt) or colleagues faces. now read carefully IT IS NOT AN ABBREVIATION OF A COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. IT IS A DEROGATORY TERM TO DESCRIBE PEOPLE FROM EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.
Alright kev? comprende (that means do you understand)

- Kh, London UK, 05/10/2009 17:03
Report abuse

Kev, London - you think its ok to call someone a Paki do you? Take your head from your backside and get with the real world. I feel sorry for anyone who knows you.

- Rachroo, London, 05/10/2009 17:00
Report abuse

What has happen to this country when someone cannot make a joke, and then say sorry if the joke did not go down too well?

- Stan White, leeds, 05/10/2009 16:57
Report abuse

Was watching the cricket on Sat, Sky abbreviated Pakistan to Pak. What a bunch of racists!

- Frank, Home Counties, England., 05/10/2009 16:56
Report abuse

I suffer in silence when my American friends call me a Brit. How dare they, I'm English.

- Stephen C, London, 05/10/2009 16:55
Report abuse

The comment was made in jest (that means in fun for those who don't understand the word!) and not meant to be racist, the apology has been accepted and no complaint made by Laila.

So lets just get on with things, there are greater worries in the world at the moment!

- Bob, London, 05/10/2009 16:50
Report abuse

There is nothing racist in calling some body a Paki,its simply a abbreviation of the word for the country of Pakistan,in much the same way as I'm a Brit! So some religious charity thinks its comparable with calling a black person a golliwog do they! I suggest that religious charity does not understand the concept of racism,but then again being a religious group they will be well used to discriminating against others.

- Kev, London-UK, 05/10/2009 16:25
Report abuse

The guy has got to go, sure he's got the most personality of any of the dancers but casual racism cannot be tolerated - sorry Tony Beak (for that is his real name) your moment in the spotlight is over.

- Sharon, Hackney, 05/10/2009 16:21
Report abuse

Unacceptable language and yes, he should go. He might have apologised (to save his skin) but he still said it.

- Goggs, London, 05/10/2009 16:10
Report abuse

So saying sorry after the event is all that is needed not to get sacked? Don't think so. Otherwise comedians and everyone else could continue to tell offensive jokes on TV and simply apologise afterwards.

Du Beke should be sacked.

- Mike, London, 05/10/2009 16:07
Report abuse

du Beke should go. Its an unforgivable comment to have made. Pity Laila for having to partner him.

- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 05/10/2009 15:39
Report abuse

Add your comment