British TV faces new racism

2007-01-24 15:40

London - Britain's Channel 4 Television, already under fire for broadcasting alleged racism on its top-ranked show, faced further criticism on Tuesday after a contestant on another reality television program made remarks praising slavery and attacking black people.

Thousands of viewers, campaigners and politicians from as far away as India attacked the broadcaster last week after allegations that racial bullying occurred on its reality show Celebrity Big Brother.

After an emergency meeting on Monday, the channel's board said it decided to keep the show on the air, but that its future would be reviewed.

Meanwhile, the new controversy was brewing.

Privately educated Lucy Buchanan, 18, launched her tirade on Shipwrecked, a reality show featuring young adults marooned on a tropical island.

'Return to slavery'

In the segment broadcast Sunday night, she described black people as "really bad," criticised gays, and lashed out at fat people, before calling for the return of slavery.

"Britain is a complete mess," she said. "I just don't appreciate people coming into our country and taking over our culture.

"I'm for the British Empire and things. I'm for slavery, but that's never going to come back."

When other contestants said they abhorred racists, Buchanan replied, "I'm afraid you have one here."

The Commission for Racial Equality said it was keeping the show under review and said shocked viewers should complain to the broadcaster.

Media watchdog Ofcom said it had received 286 complaints about racism on the show, which is broadcast weekly.

'Offensive and unacceptable'

Channel 4 said viewers were aware the comments were "offensive and unacceptable" because of the immediate criticism of fellow contestants.

"Those who continue to watch Shipwrecked will see, as the series progresses, Lucy's views change as she interacts and is challenged by other contestants," said a spokesperson for Channel 4, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with the broadcaster's policy.

Film made on the island is flown back to Britain for editing. Filming is continuing and the show is expected to be broadcast for a total of 20 weeks.

"We will keep the contents of Shipwrecked under review. Viewers who consider its contents distasteful should raise the matter with the broadcaster and Ofcom," she added.

- AP