Ross cleared of 'homophobic slur'

Ofcom found Jonathan Ross did not intend to cause offence

Presenter Jonathan Ross did not break broadcasting rules with a remark which some people felt was homophobic, media watchdog Ofcom has concluded.

There were 61 complaints after Ross suggested that boys who wanted a Hannah Montana mp3 player were gay and should be put up for adoption.

The comment was "clearly presented as a joke" and part of Ross's "irreverent" humour, Ofcom said in its adjudication.

Ross made the comment during his BBC Radio 2 Saturday morning programme.

Pejorative

He was speaking during one of his exchanges with his producer Andy Davies, which are a regular feature of the show.

Ofcom said his remark was "clearly presented as a joke intended to make light of the reactions that some parents may have if their child chooses a toy... designed and marketed for the opposite sex.

"The humour was therefore based on the absurdity of the scenario and was not intended to cause offence.

"It was not intended to be hostile or pejorative towards the gay community in general," it added.

Ofcom also considered that the comment was unlikely to be understood by children and would therefore not be repeated in the playground.

Some critics had said the remark could reinforce bullying and give a negative message to any young gay men tuning in to Ross's show.

Ross, who was suspended for four months last year over the Andrew Sachs phone message scandal, features a gay male musical quartet - jokingly known as Four Poofs and A Piano - on his Friday night BBC One chat show.