C4 rapped over religion gag

Channel 4 show Does Doug Know has been slammed for making a joke about Jesus.

Broadcasting watchdogs have censured the late-night show after two viewers complained that a gag was offensive to their religion.

They took offence after host Daisy Donovan, pictured, asked panelists - including comics Jimmy Carr and Tony Law - about the source of various quotations.

She asked them who said: "You selfish bitch, I hope you fucking burn in hell for this shit."

The panel replied: "Jesus."

Channel 4 explained that the comment was clearly intended as a joke, and that its absurdity was picked up by the other panellists and by Donovan.

The broadcaster says it would have been obvious to viewers that it was ludicrous to suggest that Jesus might have said the words, which actually came from an Eminem song.

Channel 4 added that the irreverent nature of the programme was clear from the start, and viewers had been warned in advance of the strong language used.
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But the Broadcasting Standards Commission has ruled that the remarks would have taken viewers by surprise because they were not in any context.

Its panel upheld the complaints, saying the gag "amounted to gratuitous offence", particularly to Christians.

Their ruling stated: "In the circumstances, the remarks went beyond acceptable boundaries for broadcast."

In the same report, the commission ruled that a Jim Davidson gag involving a Chinese waiter taking part in Stars In Their Eyes was not racist. The panel said the joke had not exceeded acceptable boundaries for a late-night TV show.

Published: 29 Nov 2002