Ramsay rapped over unholy language

24 August 2004
Ramsay rapped over unholy language

Gordon Ramsay has received a slap on the wrist from TV watchdog Ofcom over swearing in his recent reality show Hell's Kitchen.

The series, which featured ten celebrities being trained by Ramsay, attracted more than 100 complaints about strong language, but most were rejected by Ofcom.

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Ramsay: offensive language
Broadcaster ITV had given sufficient warnings of bad language and had put appropriate controls in place, said the watchdog. But Ofcom upheld a complaint, from five viewers, over the phrase "f\*\*\*ing Jesus" used by Ramsay in one programme. Ofcom said: "The combination of strong swearing coupled directly with holy names is found highly offensive by viewers. "We believe that the combination of a holy name and a strong expletive could not be justified in this context." ITV said inclusion of the phrase was a mistake that had "slipped through under high pressure and against very tight deadlines". Eleven viewers also complained about Ramsay's behavior towards the trainee chefs, claiming this endorsed bullying. Five people objected to the killing of lobsters on the programme. Neither complaint was upheld. Ofcom said the killing of the lobster "was part and parcel of restaurant kitchen life, and we consider it was not unreasonable to show it." A US version of *Hell's Kitchen*, fronted by Ramsay, is due to be filmed later this year in Los Angeles. Buy this week's *Caterer* magazine for more industry news and analysis
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