Gay Graham Norton receives warning: Lesbian stereotypes not funny [video]
”Although the initial references might have been inoffensive if considered on their own, they prompted an exchange with one of the programme’s guests which gave the references the appearance of perpetuating or reinforcing a potentially offensive stereotype…. The programme team were reminded of the need to avoid any possibility of being seen to endorse offensive sexual stereotypes.”
Findings of the BBC’s Editorial Complaints Unit about an episode of the Graham Norton Show. The Unit, which says it reviewed the episode after receiving a single complaint, decides what is and is not acceptable on broadcast television in the United Kingdom, somewhat similar to the FCC in the United States. (BBC News)
Graham Norton [displaying illustration for patent]: ”This is a ‘Jumpsuit for a Woman and Method of Use’ … The thinking behind it is, if a lady is wearing a jumpsuit, going to the toilet is very difficult. So, this is where he’s gone with this invention. Now, I don’t know why they’ve some strange lesbian to be the model for this. But they have. Obviously, the lesbian pissing in the jumpsuit was a big market. So, lesiban, full bladder here, ‘What am I gonna do?”’
Ruth Jones: “She may not be a lesbian. Come on now. She may just –.”
Graham Norton: “You’re right. She could have gone to a very bad hairdresser. So, here she is — anyway, there’s nothing wrong with being a lesbian!”
Ruth Jones: ”No, but I’m just saying, what does a lesbian look like?”
Graham Norton [pointing to illustration]: ‘That!”’
Famous gay talk show host Graham Norton speaking with British actress Ruth Jones and Greg Kinnear on his late night talk show. His show often features asides and the one being discussed was about a series of patents for weird inventions. The show aired in March of 2009. (BBC2)
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