The Gavin and Stacey Christmas special has come under fire after it included the use of a homophobic slur.
The show, which aired on BBC One last night (December 25) secured an average of 11.6 million viewers, making it the most-watched Christmas show on TV in 12 years.
But the special has not come without controversy, with Nessa and Bryn's performance of Fairytale of New York sparking debate.
The two characters performed a version of the song when the characters enjoyed a night out on Christmas Eve.
And to the disappointment of many watching at home, they decided to use the word "f****t", which appears in the lyrics of the festive classic, reports the Mirror Online.
Many people on Twitter slammed the move, with one writing: "Well that confirms it #GavinandStacey is trash. #fairytaleofnewyork."
Another posted: "Really wish they’d changed that lyric. Would have been smarter and more caring."
"#GavinandStacey said the f word in fairytale of New York ??? Hmm disappointing," a third said.
Another said: "Not to reignite the annual Fairytale of New York argument, but not feeling great about the Gavin and Stacey special making the closeted gay character sing the F word."
Another wrote: "Was really hoping they would change the words to Fairytale of New York but no. Disappointing."
The decision has caused a stir as LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell said using the expletive version could send out the wrong message to people coming from the BBC.
He told The Times: "The BBC would not screen a Christmas song with the n-word in it. It would be deemed deeply prejudiced and unacceptable.
"So why the double standards when it comes to the f-word?"
What the BBC has said
The BBC confirmed the song featured in the special and would be uncensored before it aired.
The broadcaster said it opted to use the original soundtrack because the lyrics have been "well-established" with the audience.
It also noted Fairytale of New York is a "very popular, much-loved Christmas song" which has been played on loop in the Christmas season.
A spokesperson for the BBC told The Metro: “Fairytale of New York is a very popular, much-loved Christmas song played widely throughout the festive season, and the lyrics are well-established with the audience.”
Many people have also defended the decision to include the word and to criticise those who complained.
One Twitter user said: "I can't believe people are getting offended over Bryn singing the lyrics to a Christmas song. It's not homophobic, he's quoting the song. Yes, he says "f****t" - just like the Pogues did. It's part of the comedy and fits with the songs narrative #GavinandStacey.
While another commented: "Imagine being the type of person that complains about actors in a TV program saying the word ‘F****t’ in a song throughout the episode. Surely you need to have a look at yourself and start just enjoying life a bit more."
For the latest news in and around Bristol, visit and bookmark Bristol Live's homepage.
You can follow us on Twitter here and on Facebook here and here.
You can also join our traffic and travel, crime and parenting Facebook groups.
Entertainment - Latest - Google News
December 26, 2019 at 11:38PM
https://ift.tt/2QmRVFN
BBC defends use of homophobic slur in Gavin and Stacey Christmas special - Bristol Post
Entertainment - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2AM12Zq
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "BBC defends use of homophobic slur in Gavin and Stacey Christmas special - Bristol Post"
Post a Comment