'Britain's Got Talent' won't face action for Amanda Holden swearing on live TV
Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has confirmed that it won’t be taking any action against ITV and Britain’s Got Talent after judge Amanda Holden swore during a live episode.
Back in May, during the first live semi-final, Holden took part in a spooky magic act that left her so terrified she dropped the F-bomb before the 9pm watershed.
Official complaints were made to Ofcom, but the regulator has now confirmed that it won’t be taking any action, stressing that the show was live and that Holden immediately apologised.
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"We took into account that this was a live broadcast of an emotive performance involving Amanda Holden, which triggered her spontaneous reaction," Ofcom said in a statement.
"We also took into account that the judges, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell, and the presenter, Ant McPartlin, gave a full apology on-air straight after the incident. In light of the above, Ofcom's view is that this matter is resolved."
Holden confessed she had a panic attack after being terrified by The Haunting’s act, which involved her being introduced to a number of ghostly figures backstage.
Towards the end of the act, the judge screamed ‘F**k’ as she was gripped on the shoulder by magician Elizabeth.
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The TV presenter said later: “I can honestly say I have never been so terrified in my whole life! I wouldn’t want anyone to go through that, but she’s a genius, I don’t know how she does it. And apologies again.”
Ofcom previously confirmed that it received 192 complaints following the episode, 38 of which were related to Holden swearing before the watershed, while 154 concerned the scary act.
The regulator said in a statement at the time: "We are assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”