Exclusive: Police may investigate 'homophobic' joke on Have I Got News For You

[Natasha]

Exclusive: Police may investigate 'homophobic' joke on Have I Got News For You

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-9429.html
10/29/2008

A gay man has complained to police over comments about homosexuals made on popular BBC quiz show Have I Got News For You, PinkNews.co.uk has been told.

The revelation that the police may become involved in a hate crime investigation comes on the day the corporation has suspended two of its most famous presenters, Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand over "a gross lapse of taste."

The allegedly homophobic comments were included in the extended edition of the programme, broadcast on BBC2 on Saturday evening.

[Rachael]

Yeesh... stroppy bloke....

the joke is actually more FUNNY than offensive too...

[Sephirah]

I'm inclined to agree with you on this one, Rachael, and with Peter Tatchell, too:

"I appreciate the complainant's concerns and good intentions but I interpreted it as an anti-Iran joke, exposing and mocking Iran's murderous homophobic regime," he told PinkNews.co.uk.

"It was parody and satire, I think, not an endorsement of executions."

However, that being said... in my opinion that show does often skate on very thin ice with regard to satire and going too far, particularly with LGBT issues. I can recall more than a few times that I've found comments rather offensive and not at all funny. One day, I think it will fall through spectacularly in its bid to be more and more satirical and edgy.

[Rachael]

With light hearted comedy such as that show, clearly not a biggots forum, i can only laugh if its relevant to me... i for one LOVE jewish jokes... most of the most 'offensive'  (mostly to christians it seems not jews) were told to me by my rabbi... go figure.if you cant laugh at yourself, life isnt worth living.