January 2009
In a private, un-broadcast comment, BBC co-presenter Carol Thatcher refers to a tennis player as having “hair like a Golliwog”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7871746.stm
She is immediately sacked.
October 2009
Anton Du Beke allegedly called his Moroccan dance partner Laila Rouass a “Paki”.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8290733.stm
BBC statement says:
“The BBC does not condone offensive language in the workplace. Anton Du Beke has apologised unreservedly to Laila Rouass who has accepted his apology.”
Personally, I don’t care for either term, but being a grown-up I also really don’t what anyone calls anyone else in private.
HOWEVER, I do think the beeb is in a position of gross hypocrisy over this. Either have a “thought crime” rule, or don’t.
