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Thatcher axed by BBC's One Show for racist jibe
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by generaldecay | February 5, 2009 at 11:39 am
134 views | 20 Recommendations | 5 comments
No, not Maggie! Her daughter, Carol.
Carol Thatcher will no longer work on The One Show after being reported for making an off-air remark, the BBC has announced. The daughter of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher referred to a tennis player as a "golliwog" backstage during filming of the BBC One programme.
Me, I think she deserved it. I back the argument that the language you use in your own home is one thing; but the language you use in public is another and has to be subject to measures of acceptability. Calling a black person a 'golliwog' is not acceptable. Simple as that.
Her spokesman told The Times she made the remark in a conversation with the show's presenter Adrian Chiles back stage and it was "meant as a joke". "Carol never intended any racist comment," he said.
No, the 'joke' excuse does not hold any water any more. It is 2008. Everyone knows that racist language is not a joke. She should too.
The corporation said it had hoped Thatcher would issue an unconditional apology but she had declined to do so.
Um. I'm not actually surprised.
More excuses. And lies.
The BBC called speculation that Thatcher was referring to Andy Murray "wholly innaccurate", adding she was definitely talking about a black tennis player. It declined to name the athlete.
I'm glad the BBC is setting an example and standing up for what it believes in. I hope it doesn't back down.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (5)
at 11:58 on February 5th, 2009
Yes, I agree - it's not acceptable, as a joke or otherwise.
at 12:20 on February 5th, 2009
Agreed. I'm actually even surprised that the BBC's decision is being questioned about its decision. WHO thinks that this should be given a pass?!
at 22:42 on February 7th, 2009
BBC got it right this time. She used the term to describe a black tennis player. She was racist. She should go. She's gone. No argument.
at 23:49 on February 7th, 2009
Precisely. This is an open and shut case.
at 11:13 on February 9th, 2009
get real look up gollywog in a dictionary you will be moaning soon if you call a workman bob the builder or a manhole cover just that