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Jonathan Ross cleared over 'homophobic' comment
6 Jul 2009Jonathan Ross did not breach broadcasting rules when he suggested that parents should put their sons up for adoption if they wanted a Hannah Montana MP3 player, industry watchdog Ofcom found today.
The comments, made on his Radio 2 show, provoked 61 complaints from listeners who said Ross was being homophobic.
During the broadcast, on May 9, he discussed prizes in a competition themed around the fictional teenage pop star.
He said: "If your son asks for a Hannah Montana MP3 player, you might want to already think about putting him down for adoption before he brings his... erm... partner home."
But Ofcom found that the comment was "clearly presented as a joke" and part of Ross's "irreverent, challenging and at times risque humour".
The presenter found himself in hot water last year after he and fellow DJ Russell Brand left obscene messages on actor Andrew Sachs's answerphone, which were also broadcast on Radio 2.
Ross was suspended for 12 weeks by BBC bosses, but walked straight back into controversy on his radio show by joking about having sex with an elderly woman.
Reader views (11)
Hey this guy is an overpaid underfunny presenter and he should have been fired for the Andrew Sachs idiot trick, but is his coment really offensive? I think the brits are getting a little too PC recently, what does Harriet Harperson think?
- Gavin, Sydney Australia, 07/07/2009 03:56
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It is about time this moron was taken off the air and stopped being paid with taxpayers money!
- Vince, London, West London, 06/07/2009 16:42
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Pure trivia, at all levels.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants, 06/07/2009 16:40
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This odious creep is saving me £12 per month as I did not renew my t.v. licence.
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 06/07/2009 15:24
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Hey, lighten up - you'll hear the same sort of wry joke (and many others of its ilk) in any pub or at any social gathering.
And it's patently obvious in this case that the target of the "dig" was Hannah Montana, not gay offspring.
"Offence lives only in the prejudices of the listeners."
- Brian, London, 06/07/2009 15:05
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Ignore the saddoes rossi boy, your show is great, keep it up.
- Mr S.Port, London, 06/07/2009 14:16
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We're far too politically correct these days.A lot of fuss over nothing really.
- Steve, London, 06/07/2009 13:59
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I saw Jonathan Ross live a few weeks ago at Television Centre, and he was absolutely superb. Such a professional in every way. He takes the mick out of people but that's just his way. If you don't like it, don't watch or listen. My hats go off for him, big time.
- Rod, Epping UK, 06/07/2009 13:51
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If it was a joke why wasn't it funny ?
Not sure Ross's humour is "Challenging" - it is just Benny Hill/Carry On level stuff - "challenged" maybe they meant.
- Roy Grainger, London, 06/07/2009 13:33
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Rossy - as funny as dry rot in your attic.
Morecombe and Wise managed to be funnier than he will ever be and still did not offend anyone.
- Ethan, UK, 06/07/2009 13:24
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childish humour from a sad person
- Jerry, Chiswick, 06/07/2009 12:57
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