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London Hughes explains turning down 'debate' over BBC racial slur

Photo credit: London Hughes - Instagram
Photo credit: London Hughes - Instagram

From Digital Spy

Comedian and Celebs Go Dating star London Hughes has explained why she "politely declined" the opportunity to debate the BBC's use of the N-word during a recent broadcast.

The public service broadcaster has since apologised after receiving more than 18,600 complaints about the racial slur, which was aired during a news report on Points West and the BBC News Channel last month. Now, Hughes has revealed that she was invited on to Newsnight to discuss the issue.

After turning down the appearance, Hughes explained her decision on Twitter, telling followers that there should be "no debate" over the BBC's conduct. The stand-up also argued that she had "never seen a productive and fair TV debate about race in the UK".

Photo credit: Peter Summers - Getty Images
Photo credit: Peter Summers - Getty Images

Related: BBC boss Tony Hall apologises for news report containing racial slur

"I've been asked to go on Newsnight tonight to talk about the BBC, but politely declined. I've never seen a productive and fair TV debate about race in the UK. And when it comes to this issue, there's no debate for me," Hughes wrote.

"Having to justify why it was wrong feels like a step backwards."

London added that whoever appeared in her place on the programme would have her "full support", before later posting another tweet sharing her incredulity at having "to explain" why a white BBC presenter using the N-word "is a bad thing".

The BBC has received widespread criticism for its slow response to viewer complaints, with BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Sideman, also known as David Whitely, resigning over the incident.

BBC director-general Tony Hall later issued an apology, which was welcomed by the BBC's director of creative diversity and Loose Women presenter June Sarpong.

"I am glad BBC director general Tony Hall has personally intervened to unequivocally apologise over BBC News' use of the N-word," she said in a tweet.


For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.


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