'We having a racist moment?'
2006-05-19 14:44
London - What was meant to be a friendly chat to promote the new X-Men movie turned into a frosty discussion about race on one of Britain's most popular radio programs, but the British Broadcasting Corp on Friday defended their DJ.
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry appeared on Chris Moyles' Radio One breakfast show on Thursday morning and clashed with her host after he impersonated what he described as a "big fat black guy."
"Are we having a racist moment here?" Berry asked Moyles after she took exception to his impersonation.
The exchange
The exchange began when Berry's X-Men: The Last Stand co-star Hugh Jackman jokingly suggested that Moyles might take the role of his body double if he ever landed the part of James Bond.
"I could definitely do that," Moyles said before adding, "Put your hands in the air!"
A somewhat puzzled Jackman replied, "Are you some kind of Brooklyn Bond?"
Moyles replied: "I'm a black American guy. A big, fat, black guy. Put your hands up in the air. I don't wanna be shooting yo ass."
When Berry asked Moyles if he was being racist, Moyles said he just couldn't do American accents. The interview continued, though the DJ later said Berry was "ratty" - British slang for grouchy.
"There was nothing racist in what Chris said, and he made that clear on air," a BBC spokesperson said on condition of anonymity, in line with the corporation's policy.
- SAPA