The BBC has stood by Jeremy Clarkson after his Top Gear comments were branded blasphemous by a UK vicar.
Clarkson was filmed shouting “Jesus wept” while driving a KTM X-bow open top sports car in an episode that was broadcast earlier this month.
He also said: “God Almighty” while driving a Bentley powered by a Spitfire engine.
Reverend Graeme Anderson, 52, from St Mary’s Church in Radcliffe-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire complained to the BBC.
“I think Jeremy Clarkson is one of the most articulate people I have ever heard, and I loved watching his show. I thought Top Gear was great before this,” he said.
“But on this occasion, I found his comments very, very offensive and I think many Christians would also.”
But the BBC, which has had to apologise a number of times for offence, this time backed its presenter.
In a statement, it said: “We’re aware that blasphemous language, including the casual or derogatory use of holy names or religious words, can be a source of particular offence to some members of the audience, but judgements about its use are difficult because they depend on tone and context.
“There is no consensus about words that are acceptable, when, and by whom, as different words cause different degrees of offence to different people. Some of the words and phrases that can cause offence have, whether we like it or not, become part of everyday language and it would be unrealistic for broadcasters to suggest they are not widely used in a range of contexts.
“We do however respect the fundamental human right to exercise freedom of thought, conscience and religion, this includes an individual’s freedom to worship, teach, practise and observe. While we also have a duty to reflect society as it really is, we try to ensure our output is not used to denigrate the beliefs of others.”
Source: Telegraph
Whilst I am a passionate atheist, Monk does have a point. If I stir the pot in my home country, I’m realistically due nothing more than tutting and disdainful looks. In other countries, it’s justification for death.
Stone the blasphemer.
David, sorry, I think you would have been better served by closing the comments to this article.
Betcha the Beeb would have a different take on things if he’d said something flippant in reference to a certain other religion.
Defending freedom of speech is easy when all you have to worry about is a letter-writing vicar or two, but when a casual comment results in thousands rioting in the streets demanding people be killed for ‘blasphemy’ it’s a lot tougher. And a lot more important.
I think they have every right to complain. If they find something offensive, they have as much right to complain as a minority has. I think Christians are probably the most tolerant of all the groups when you think about it. I have lived in a few different countries. And i always feel safest in countries that have a high number of Christians. If people think christians are bad, go live in a country where the law wasn’t written by christians. See how well you go blaspheming there.
It’s only blasphemous if you want it to be! Clarkson says “God Almighty” all the time.
I find the fact christians push their beliefs on to everyone else offensive…. where can i complain?
maybe the vicar should spend more time helping the poor and looking after his flock than complaining about a few words
“Blasphemous language” ? It’s 2012 not the 12th century.
Has this Reverend nothing better to do ?
If he complains everytime someone says “God almighty” on TV he’ll be writing complaint letters every day.
Oh God not this again!
Its Clarkson…c’mon