Brit host Bruce Forsyth clarifies stand on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ race row
October 9th, 2009 - 12:49 pm ICT by ANILondon, October 9 (ANI): Veteran British showman Bruce Forsyth has said that the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Anton Du Beke’s use of the offensive term ‘Paki’ for his show partner Laila Rouass was wrong.
The 81-year-old said previously told Talksport radio that the race row was being taken too far.
But in a recent statement, the entertainer clarified his views, saying he does not “excuse or condone” racism, reports The BBC.
He said: “I have been asked by a number of journalists to clarify what I meant and am therefore issuing this statement via the BBC, though I must emphasise that these are my personal views and not necessarily those of the BBC.
“What Anton said to Laila was wrong and he has apologised unreservedly for this.
“Nor do I in any way excuse or condone the use of such language. To be absolutely clear, the use of racially offensive language is never either funny or acceptable.
“However, there is a major difference between this and racist comments which are malicious in intent and whilst I accept that we live in a world of extraordinary political correctness, we should keep things in perspective.” (ANI)
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- Race row after British TV star calls part-Indian actress 'Paki' - Oct 04, 2009
- Indian origin dancer walks out after Strictly Come Dancing partner's 'Paki' slur - Oct 04, 2009
- Racist 'Strictly Come Dancing' star Du Beke snubbed from showbiz bash - Oct 07, 2009
- Strictly Come Dancing's du Beke leaves Rouass sobbing after another row - Oct 20, 2009
- Strictly Come Dancing star Du Beke 'mortified' by Paki comment - Oct 10, 2009
- BBC bosses fear 'Leona Lewis-type attack' on Du Beke after Paki slur - Oct 17, 2009
- Strictly Come Dancing's Anton du Beke fears losing career after 'Paki' outburst - Oct 11, 2009
- Strictly Come Dancing star Laila Rouass' cancer scare - Nov 08, 2009
- Laila Rouass out of Strictly Come Dancing - Dec 06, 2009
- Su Pollard to star in 'Strictly Come Dancing' Christmas show - Nov 23, 2011
- Magician Paul Daniels' 'Paki' tweet branded 'racist' - Feb 20, 2011
- London council in dock for terming Pakistan origin pupil 'Pakis' - Aug 26, 2009
- Footballers' association demands Blatter's resignation on racism comments - Nov 17, 2011
- Canadian employer fined $25,000 for racial abuse - Feb 18, 2010
Tags: anton du beke, bbc, bruce forsyth, journalists, laila rouass, london, offensive language, paki, personal views, perspective, political correctness, racism, racist comments, radio, showman
