TV presenter’s Matthew’s Wrights jokes over the murder investigation of Western Isles teenager Liam Aitchsion caused “considerable offence” the broadcasting regulator has ruled.
However, Ofcom said it will take no further action.
Wright had sparked widespread outrage over offensive quips broadcast on his Channel 5 chat show, The Wright Stuff.
Discussing the death inquiry with a news review panel, Wright put on a mock Scottish accent and drawled TV detective Taggart’s catchphrase, “there’s been a murder.”
Guest Charlie Baker pointed out the 40-
Ofcom said it received 2,358 complaints regarding the comments and over Matthew Wright‟s subsequent apology the following day.
The TV watchdog concluded: “Our view was that all these comments were clearly capable of causing offence to viewers given the sensitivity surrounding the very recent murder of a 16 year old teenager in an isolated Scottish community.
It said: “This was mainly because Matthew Wright responded to Charlie Baker‟s introduction to the news story by making a joke that made light of the murder.
“He then went on to laugh loudly with the audience as the conversation continued.”
The broadcasting regulator said: “He appeared to pay no regard to the unfortunate circumstances of this murder case concerning the killing of a 16 year old well known to many within the local community in which he lived.”
It added: “The potential for offence was heightened because Matthew Wright made his
joke while a photograph of the victim Liam Aitchison was being shown on-
However, Ofcom said Channel 5 had accepeted it had gone beyond decent standards, had removed the programmes from its internet site and had tightened up its compliance practices.
In addtion Matthew Wright had telephoned Liam’s father Norrie and personally apologised.
The regulator said: “On balance, and in light of the steps taken by Channel 5 to mitigate this offence, Ofcom considered the matter resolved.”
TV watchdog rules Channel 5 murder joke was offensive 20/2/12