Vernon Kay has defended his BBC Radio 2 colleague Jeremy Vine after he faced backlash for using the term 'OAP' on air. The incident occurred during a segment where Vine previewed news stories, including one about a retired British couple who alleged a Russian warship fired warning shots at their yacht in the English Channel.
Vine admitted he had used the term 'OAP' while discussing the couple, which prompted complaints from listeners. He explained that the term is now considered offensive by some, saying, 'It's the latest word to go.' Kay laughed at the revelation but defended his co-star, stating, 'You only know when you say it... You didn't mean any offence. You've been educated.'
Kay suggested that the term may have fallen out of favour because people 'don't feel old anymore' and have a 'zest for life.' Vine confirmed he meant no harm and noted that the offence stemmed from the media's general use of the term.
This is not the first time Vine has stirred controversy. In 2022, he faced criticism for suggesting on his Channel 5 show that Russian soldiers 'deserve to die' for joining the invasion of Ukraine. Listeners at the time labelled him 'insensitive and callous' for his remarks about young conscripts.
