Ross cleared of 'homophobic slur'

Ofcom found the presenter did not intend to cause offenceÂ…

08:36 07 July 2009

BBC presenter Jonathan Ross has been cleared of breaching broadcasting rules following a comment he made on his Radio 2 Saturday morning show.

An investigation by Ofcom was launched earlier in the year after the BBC received 61 complaints over Ross' comment which some people felt was homophobic.

Ross had suggested that boys who wanted a Hannah Montana mp3 player were gay and should be put up for adoption.

Ofcom said his remark was "clearly presented as a joke intended to make light of the reactions that some parents may have if their child chooses a toy... designed and marketed for the opposite sex."

It added: "The humour was therefore based on the absurdity of the scenario and was not intended to cause offence.

"It was not intended to be hostile or pejorative towards the gay community in general".

Some critics said the remark could reinforce bullying and give a negative message.

However, Ofcom also considered that the comment was unlikely to be understood by children and would therefore not be repeated in the playground.