Channel 4's Ali G show rapped for imitating the disabled

LONDON – Channel 4's 'Ali G' show has been criticised by the television watchdog for going too far in a show that saw the comic character mock and mimic the disabled.

The show featured the comedian Sacha Baron Cohen playing his camp fashion type Bruno interviewing figures from the fashion industry and asking them if they would use disabled models.

The programme drew a wave of viewer complaints, which centred on Cohen's mimicking of the disabled and the language used to describe those with disabilities.

Channel 4 defended the programme and argued that its purpose was to highlight fashion industry's fixation with skinny models and reluctance to use anyone outside of this narrow body type.

However, the Broadcasting Standards Commission said the programme went too far.

"Whilst the questions were intended to ridicule the views of the fashion industry, the language used to refer to people with disabilities, in addition to the mimicking of their physical symptoms, exceeded acceptable boundaries," the BSC said.

The BSC also criticised complaints about presenter Jonathan Ross, who used the word "fuck" during Comic Relief Red Nose Night.

Despite the fact that it took place after 10.30pm, the watchdog said the use of language was unacceptable.

The BBC apologised for the swearing and also for more swearing by a guest on Ross's BBC Radio 2 show.

In all, the watchdog's report criticised 30 programmes including swearing on the BBC's consumer programme Watchdog and repeated swearing on Channel 4's '100 Worst Britons'.

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