Tonight:
9°c
Moyles's birthday jibe at 'dress-wearing' Will Young was homophobic, says Ofcom
Amar Singh23.03.09
CHRIS MOYLES has been reprimanded by media watchdog Ofcom after mocking Will Young for being gay.
The regulator said that the 35-year-old Radio One host, who has faced accusations of homophobia throughout his career, breached broadcasting rules when he imitated Young on his breakfast show in January.
During the show, Moyles announced that it was the singer's birthday before playing alternative versions of the star's songs Evergreen and Leave Right Now. To Evergreen, Moyles broadcast the lyrics: "It's my birthday, gonna wear my new dress tonight. And I smell nice. I've had a shower and I've shaved my legs. Going out later, might go to Nob-oooh for dinner."
In its ruling, Ofcom stated Moyles's language "could have reasonably been interpreted by listeners as promoting and condoning certain negative stereotypes based on sexual orientation".
A BBC spokesman said Moyles's comments were "unacceptable", adding: "We spoke to Chris and his team to make that clear."
Reader views (5)
And this is supposed to be funny. This vile man is talentless, replace him please!!!
- Christina, Bedford
Ok, trite generalizations notwithstanding, why is it ok for 'entertainment commentators' to ridicule the wardrobes of the rich fashionistas and their imitators (I've heard pointed comments about 'less than macho' for action figure males, and 'too butch' for females so this is a reasonable comparison to make), but it is wrong to do the same for this guy's choice of wardrobe?
- Rogan, Irving
God I am so glad to have quit this stupid Police State called Great Britain, a nation of PC thought control. Is being a drag queen now a crime? Because most people go to watch them to laugh at them lauging at themselves. Where is this going to end? And when is Cameron going to tell us he will assign these stupid rules to the dustbin along with New Labour and all that they did to bring our once great country down to the level of a humourless banana republic?
- Stephen Rothbart, Prague Czech Republic
The people who are most unsure of their own masculinity. like Moyles, usually attack gay people with the greatest alacrity. sad but a fact. he needs to grow up and be a man
- Keith Price, Luton, England
I find it offensive that this trivia demands the time of Ofcom.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
