Higher and Higher (Jackson, Miner,Smith) featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the album “His Story” recorded and produced by Ross Gill

Last blog I explained that on 30th August I began to view an episode of Celebrity MasterChef in which Adam Pearson was taking part. I have every admiration for him, but when he was unhappy with his cooking (he was eliminated in the first round) he uttered “Jesus of Nazareth.” I was shocked and switched the TV off. I later made an initial complaint to the BBC and last week shared their reply which I thought unacceptable.

Below is my response.
Dear Mr Salt
Thank you for responding to my complaint so promptly.
This is the first time I have lodged a complaint with the BBC, or ITV for that matter – I simply felt a genuine mistake had been made and expected you to accept that there had been an error. I was, therefore disappointed to have instead received what you consider to be justification for retaining Mr Pearson’s “Jesus of Nazareth” expletive.
So, the editing team felt that retaining the expletive was justified because it “reflects the world as it is and you protect freedom of expression.” I am of the strong opinion that in the context of a family cookery programme Mr Pearson’s expletive does not “reflect the world as it is.” Furthermore, Mr Pearson’s freedom to express displeasure with his cooking in a manner of his choice, should have been limited to words that were not defamatory to anyone- in this case Jesus.
I am confident that despite the BBC’s policy “to protect freedom of expression” an expletive referring to Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, would have been immediately removed. Yes, it could be argued that an expletive of this nature would not “reflect the world as it is” as the dire consequences, cite Salman Rushdie, would make such an action most unlikely. However, I put it to you that the BBC policy is applied when it suits the purposes of the BBC; possibly on the occasion in question because it was considered to “make good TV.” The BBC has, therefore created an “unlevel playing field” in which it can be deemed acceptable to profane Christianity, but not other faiths.
I would welcome your response and trust that my comments will be forwarded to Senior members of the ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ team for their consideration.
Many thanks
Kind regards
Ken Shearsmith

Quote of the Week