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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/27/top-gear-cleared-over-jeremy-clarksons-pikeys-peak-sign
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Top Gear cleared over Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘Pikey’s Peak’ sign | Top Gear cleared over Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘Pikey’s Peak’ sign |
(about 5 hours later) | |
Top Gear has been cleared of breaching broadcasting regulations by media regulator Ofcom after an episode in which Jeremy Clarkson held up a sign saying “Pikey’s Peak”. | Top Gear has been cleared of breaching broadcasting regulations by media regulator Ofcom after an episode in which Jeremy Clarkson held up a sign saying “Pikey’s Peak”. |
The Traveller Movement complained to Ofcom after the programme was broadcast on 2 February last year, claiming it was an “offensive and derogatory term for Gypsies and Travellers”. | The Traveller Movement complained to Ofcom after the programme was broadcast on 2 February last year, claiming it was an “offensive and derogatory term for Gypsies and Travellers”. |
But the regulator cleared the BBC2 show of any wrong-doing, saying the reference was more likely to be construed by viewers as a comment about Richard Hammond and his choice of car, a Vauxhall Nova, rather than an insult directed at Gypsies or Travellers. | But the regulator cleared the BBC2 show of any wrong-doing, saying the reference was more likely to be construed by viewers as a comment about Richard Hammond and his choice of car, a Vauxhall Nova, rather than an insult directed at Gypsies or Travellers. |
Related: BBC's Top Gear investigated over use of word 'pikey' | Related: BBC's Top Gear investigated over use of word 'pikey' |
The BBC acknowledged that the word could offend people, but said in recent times it had “evolved” and taken on an alternative meaning. | The BBC acknowledged that the word could offend people, but said in recent times it had “evolved” and taken on an alternative meaning. |
Citing Wikipedia as evidence, it said the word “pikey” also corresponded to “chav”, “cheap”, “tacky” or “low rent” with no derogatory reference to Gypsies or Travellers. | Citing Wikipedia as evidence, it said the word “pikey” also corresponded to “chav”, “cheap”, “tacky” or “low rent” with no derogatory reference to Gypsies or Travellers. |
Ofcom, in its ruling published on Monday, said Top Gear was “widely known for its irreverent style and sometimes outspoken humour”. | Ofcom, in its ruling published on Monday, said Top Gear was “widely known for its irreverent style and sometimes outspoken humour”. |
It said viewers would have been “more likely to construe the use of the word ‘pikey’ with it as meaning ‘cheap’ or ‘disreputable’ rather than a pejorative and discriminatory term for Gypsies and Travellers”. | It said viewers would have been “more likely to construe the use of the word ‘pikey’ with it as meaning ‘cheap’ or ‘disreputable’ rather than a pejorative and discriminatory term for Gypsies and Travellers”. |
But it added: “This does not mean that the use of the word ‘pikey’ is acceptable in any programme in any context. Ofcom reminds all broadcasters that this word is capable of causing significant offence in certain contexts.” | But it added: “This does not mean that the use of the word ‘pikey’ is acceptable in any programme in any context. Ofcom reminds all broadcasters that this word is capable of causing significant offence in certain contexts.” |
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Following thorough investigation, we found this programme did not break broadcasting rules by showing a placard which said ‘Pikey’s Peak’. | An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Following thorough investigation, we found this programme did not break broadcasting rules by showing a placard which said ‘Pikey’s Peak’. |
“We found that, while some in the audience would perceive the word ‘pikey’ as a derogatory term for Gypsies and Travellers, on balance there was sufficient context in the way the word was used to minimise offence.” | “We found that, while some in the audience would perceive the word ‘pikey’ as a derogatory term for Gypsies and Travellers, on balance there was sufficient context in the way the word was used to minimise offence.” |
The Traveller Movement said the word pikey was “generally accepted to be a derogatory word that contains an inherent racial reference to Gypsies and Travellers”. | The Traveller Movement said the word pikey was “generally accepted to be a derogatory word that contains an inherent racial reference to Gypsies and Travellers”. |
It previously complained to the BBC Trust, which also rejected the complaint. | It previously complained to the BBC Trust, which also rejected the complaint. |
A Traveller Movement spokesman said: “We are appalled that Ofcom have followed the BBC Trust’s line and have green-lit the use of ‘pikey’ on Top Gear. | A Traveller Movement spokesman said: “We are appalled that Ofcom have followed the BBC Trust’s line and have green-lit the use of ‘pikey’ on Top Gear. |
“Their decision that this particular use has no reference to Gypsies and Travellers is bankrupt. | “Their decision that this particular use has no reference to Gypsies and Travellers is bankrupt. |
“Instead of investigating our complaint in full, Ofcom has relied largely on the BBC Trust decision which, in turn, relied on Wikipedia. | “Instead of investigating our complaint in full, Ofcom has relied largely on the BBC Trust decision which, in turn, relied on Wikipedia. |
“Ofcom are in effect saying that the public have been fooled by Top Gear’s deliberately transgressive and racist repeat use of ‘pikey’. | “Ofcom are in effect saying that the public have been fooled by Top Gear’s deliberately transgressive and racist repeat use of ‘pikey’. |
“The Top Gear presenters told them that they didn’t mean it to be racist and Ofcom have taken them at their word. The reference to pegs and heather salesmen which we raised has been ignored. | “The Top Gear presenters told them that they didn’t mean it to be racist and Ofcom have taken them at their word. The reference to pegs and heather salesmen which we raised has been ignored. |
“The viewing public are not that stupid and Ofcom need to give them more credit. The decision is a victory for racist bullies and we will be meeting with our solicitors, Howe & Co, to consider our options.” | “The viewing public are not that stupid and Ofcom need to give them more credit. The decision is a victory for racist bullies and we will be meeting with our solicitors, Howe & Co, to consider our options.” |
In response, an Ofcom spokesperson said: “Ofcom did not rely on the BBC Trust’s findings in reaching its decision. As the UK’s broadcast regulator, our team investigated this programme completely afresh and reached an independent decision.” | |
Top Gear will return next year with Chris Evans in the main presenter’s role following Clarkson’s axing by the BBC following an incident with a member of the production team. | Top Gear will return next year with Chris Evans in the main presenter’s role following Clarkson’s axing by the BBC following an incident with a member of the production team. |
Clarkson is expected to reunite with Hammond, fellow co-presenter James May and the programme’s former executive producer, Andy Wilman, on a rival broadcaster. | Clarkson is expected to reunite with Hammond, fellow co-presenter James May and the programme’s former executive producer, Andy Wilman, on a rival broadcaster. |