• Top Gear 'speciale needs' joke offensive, says Ofcom
    55 replies, posted
[quote=BBCNews] Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson caused offence when he described a car as "speciale needs" - a play on its proper name, Ferrari F430 Speciale. Media regulator Ofcom investigated after receiving two complaints. However, it did not censure the BBC as the broadcaster had deleted the comment from repeats and the iPlayer version, and apologised for causing offence. Clarkson described the car owned by co-presenter James May as looking "like a simpleton". In response to Ofcom's inquiry, the BBC said his description was a "light hearted reference to the look of the car (the front of which has the appearance of a broad smile) in contrast to a newer model, which was praised by Mr Clarkson." In its ruling, Ofcom said: "The BBC said that it was the car itself that was the subject of the fun being poked at and its owner... James May." The episode of the popular motoring show was broadcast at 2130 BST on 1 August - a fact Ofcom took into account, saying that viewers should expect programmes "to contain more challenging content and humour after the watershed". Ofcom ruled that "the comments made by Jeremy Clarkson in this instance were capable of causing offence." It went on: "While obviously intended as a joke and not aimed directly at an individual with learning difficulties, the comment could easily be understood as ridiculing people in society with a particular physical disability or learning difficulty." 'Irreverent style' It said it acknowledged that Top Gear was "well known for its irreverent style and sometimes outspoken humour and banter between the presenters". In concluding that the investigation was resolved, it said that the BBC had acted immediately and voluntarily in removing the comment from repeat screenings and the iPlayer. "It had also apologised for any offence caused by the comments, underlining that there was no intent to make fun of those with special needs." Ofcom frequently receives complaints about Top Gear. Last year it censured the show for depicting a graphic - albeit spoof - suicide. The previous year complaints about another joke by Clarkson, about lorry drivers killing prostitutes, were not upheld. [/quote] Source: [url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11621083[/url] Seriously?
People need to stop taking Jeremy Clarkson seriously.
thats bullshit, who ACTUALLY goes around whining about how that kinda stuff 'offends' them?
It was a good, fun, pun, no harm intended.
This is lighthearted wordplay and it makes me angry.
For fucks sake people, just take a chill pill. I don't even think these "special needs" individuals honestly care and if they do they need to chill out as well. Grow a pair and stop complaining about a person [I]hurting your feelings[/I] or [I]calling you names[/I].
I found the remark that those Malaysian cars were "in jungles by people who wear leaves for shoes" slightly racist to the Malaysians, but it was hilarious at the same time. In a way, hes a comedian. And there isnt a comedian alive who can appeal to every single person.
[QUOTE=shadow_of_intent;27806299]People need to stop taking Jeremy Clarkson seriously.[/QUOTE] People need to stop smoking so much PC.
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me* *[I]until a famous person does it[/I]
[QUOTE=shadow_of_intent;27806423]I found the remark that those Malaysian cars were "in jungles by people who wear leaves for shoes" slightly racist to the Malaysians, but it was hilarious at the same time. In a way, hes a comedian. And there isnt a comedian alive who can appeal to every single person.[/QUOTE] But Malaysia's cars suck anyway.
Fucking over-sensitive nation needs to fuck off it really is getting ridiculous.
[QUOTE=Glitter;27806309]thats bullshit, who ACTUALLY goes around whining about how that kinda stuff 'offends' them?[/QUOTE] -snip-
This is retarded
This is people who think that speaking on behalf of retards makes them a better person, when all they do is misrepresent them. And if they can't take being picked at, then they should deal with it. Every group gets it, whites, blacks, mexicans, americans, brits, etc.
I went to special needs classes in school (well if you have a learning disability they automatically sign you up for them), hardly find what he said offensive, wouldn't even begin to relate his comment to myself.
[QUOTE]Media regulator Ofcom investigated after receiving [B]two[/B] complaints.[/QUOTE] Now, of these two complainers, how many people watched the show?
Hahahahaha Also [quote]"It had also apologised for any offence caused by the comments, underlining that there was no intent to make fun of those with special needs." [/quote] Hehehhehe
two complaints. hahahahahaha
[QUOTE=shadow_of_intent;27806299]People need to stop taking Jeremy Clarkson seriously.[/QUOTE][img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/39948/1295935152047.jpg[/img] 100% serious, 100% of the time.
[QUOTE=dogmachines;27808475]This is people who think that speaking on behalf of retards makes them a better person, when all they do is misrepresent them. And if they can't take being picked at, then they should deal with it. Every group gets it, whites, blacks, mexicans, americans, brits, etc.[/QUOTE] Calling them retards isn't lending you any credibility.
Didn't he get another complaint a few days ago? This is so stupid
People need a huge slap to the face.
That's retarded.
[QUOTE=shian;27806271]"the comments made by Jeremy Clarkson in this instance were capable of causing offence."[/QUOTE] Comments made by Jeremy Clarkson in [i]any[/i] instance are capable of causing offence.
[QUOTE=sharzu;27809976]Didn't he get another complaint a few days ago? This is so stupid[/QUOTE] 25 October 2010 Last updated at 15:56 This is from last year. Still stupid, things intended as a joke should not be taken seriously.
And now everybody who hasn't seen the episode will watch it on iPlayer to get offended, and then complain to Ofcom.
If you don't like it, don't watch it. If it's affecting your kids, advise them about the content.
[QUOTE=Jasun;27813754]And now everybody who hasn't seen the episode will watch it on iPlayer to get offended, and then complain to Ofcom.[/QUOTE] [quote] However, it did not censure the BBC as the broadcaster had deleted the comment from repeats and the iPlayer version, and apologised for causing offence.[/quote]
man i need to start watching top gear lmao
fucking hell people cant even take a bloody joke
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