Ofcom raps Clarkson for "gay" jibe

Jeremy Clarkson has been criticised by Ofcom after referring to a car as "a bit ginger beer".

The remark, which is Cockney rhyming slang for "queer", was made about a Daihatsu Copen on an episode of Top Gear last July.

The Ofcom reaction described the incident as having "no justification", especially as the comment was so blatant.

"In this edition of Top Gear, the presenter's use of a Cockney rhyming phrase made clear he intended to give a particular meaning to use of the word 'gay'... i.e. not to restrict its meaning simply to foolish or stupid, but clearly linking the reference to homosexual people.

"This, in Ofcom's opinion, meant that the use of the word became capable of giving offence. In the context, there was no justification for using the word in this way."

However, the statement added that the situation had been resolved in the light of the BBC's own investigation and subsequent warning to presenters about the use of the word.