Channel 4 cleared over Big Brother N-word race row

Media watchdog Ofcom ruled that the broadcaster was right to show Parr using the word "n*****" 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.

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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's comment and subsequent departure 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*****" is to black people.

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But in a ruling published today, 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.

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"For example, it is clear that within the gay community itself, the word 'poof' can be used in a playful, affectionate or self-deprecating way.

"This is evidenced, for example, by the use of the word in Friday Night With Jonathan Ross (BBC1), with its resident band Four Poofs and a Piano.

"In Ofcom's view, there is insufficient or no evidence to suggest that Laura Williams used the word complained of in a denigratory way."

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.

"Broadcasters are therefore reminded to exercise care about the frequency with, and context in, which the word is broadcast."

Williams directed both of her remarks at heterosexual housemate Liam McGough, calling him a "poof" when he squirmed during a tickling game and again when he walked out of the Diary Room wearing a vest, waistcoat and leather flat cap.

Channel 4 said it "underestimated" the potential offence caused by the first episode, which became clear when viewers complained.

When Williams used the term again, she was called into the Diary Room and was told Big Brother would not tolerate homophobic language.

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

She justified her language by telling Uchea: "I was joking... I'm friends with plenty of black people."

Channel 4 said at the time: "The word is clearly racially offensive and there was no justification for its use."