Top Gear has skirted more controversy after the TV watchdog said it would not take action over a string of viewer complaints about foul language in the hit BBC2 motoring show.
Broadcasting regulator Ofcom received 18 complaints about an episode of Top Gear, broadcast on 1 March.
Eleven complainants said offensive language used in the programme, primarily “arse” and “bastard”, was unsuitable for broadcast before the 9pm watershed.
Seven people also complained about a discussion on the show about an experiment on monkeys and their babies that they felt was “offensive and upsetting”.
“We carefully assessed a number of complaints about offensive language and comments in this show and have decided not to take the issues forward for further investigation,” said a spokesman for Ofcom. “In our view, the use of some mild offensive language was consistent with audience expectations for this well-established series.”
Ofcom also said it received a total of 133 complaints from viewers upset at the suspension of former host Jeremy Clarkson, following a fracas with Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, and the subsequent decision to postpone airing the final three episodes in the current series.
The broadcasting regulator is not able to act on the complaints as they do not fall within Ofcom’s remit.
