The BBC has upheld a complaint over the use of a 'particularly offensive word' about Spice Girl star Lady Victoria Beckham during an episode of panel show Have I Got News For You last year.
Aired on November 7, the episode was presented by comedian Katherine Ryan. She made reference to a 2013 private email sent by Sir David Beckham, Victoria's husband, where he allegedly used the word 'c****'.
Ruling on the comment
Katherine said on the show: "I don't know that we are allowed to broadcast the c-word, but you did reference Victoria Beckham earlier and we'll allow that."
Issuing its ruling on the matter, the BBC's Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) said: "There was no such justification for a comment which presented Victoria Beckham as equivalent to a particularly offensive word."
Additionally, the ECU stated that the use of the word 'c***' was justified as it was in reference to Sir David's alleged use of it. However, they said that it was not justifiable when used in reference to his wife, who he has been married to since 1999.
Editorial guidelines and response
It added: "The relevant BBC editorial guidelines do not require programmes to avoid giving offence but do require that any offence should be editorially justified."
According to the ruling, two viewers had complained about the remark, which was 'gratuitously offensive'. Following the ruling, an edited version of the programme in light of the finding will replace the one currently on BBC iPlayer, the BBC's streaming service.
Back in November, when the episode first aired, the ECU responded to complaints from viewers who were 'unhappy with the inclusion of strong language in the programme'. It said at the time: "The use of the strong language was editorially justified as the panel were discussing a current news story about Sir David Beckham and directly quoting from leaked emails in which he had used the word in question, leading to further discussion."
The ECU said that it was 'common practise' to air a clear verbal warning before post-watershed programmes with very strong language, which was done for the episode in question.
