Ofcom gives 'Shipwrecked' the all-clear

Ofcom has cleared Channel 4's Shipwrecked after the regulator received complaints about alleged racist and homophobic comments in the show.

The reality series follows two teams who are “shipwrecked” on two adjacent islands for over five months, as they compete to become the most popular island.

1,453 complaints were received about the about the 'homophobic' treatment of student Joe Stone and the 'racist' views of teenager Lucy Buchanan.

Ofcom recognised that unscripted reality television should give an accurate picture of each contestant rather than "editorialise" them.

In Buchanan's case, the regulator said the broadcaster showed an appropriate counter balance to her comments, including airing footage of fellow competitors challenging her views.

A reference to Stone as a "fairy" was justified by the regulator, stating: "Whilst most would consider the pejorative use of the word ‘fairy’ as offensive, Ofcom noted it was not used as an insult or in a derogatory way towards Joe. It was an off-the-cuff remark to camera from the self-appointed leader of the group who was frustrated by Joe’s lack of willingness to participate in the more
macho elements of the group."

The regulator added: "There is no requirement that all people who take part in a reality television programme must be shown to only express views which meet generally accepted standards. This would not be a justifiable or proportionate limitation on freedom of expression."