Bee Gees gag was too offensive

Graham Norton has been rapped over a bad-taste joke about the late Maurice Gibb.

More than 30 viewers complained over the comic's comment that that the Bee Gee's heart monitor "was singing the tune of Stayin' Alive".

And the Independent Television Commission agreed with them that the gag - cracked on the day of his death - was "offensive, objectionable and in extremely poor taste".

Channel 4 argued that the joke was meant as an affectionate reference, and that Norton had mentioned that the news of the death was 'sad'. They also argued that the studio audience's reaction to the joke confirmed their view that the joke was sufficiently gentle.

However, the ITC upheld the complaints, ruling: "It was offensive to public feeling, and to Mr Gibb's family, for such a joke to be made in such close proximity to his death."

Channel 4 has since apologised for the joke, which had already landed Norton in trouble with Gibb's brother Robin.

The surviving Bee Gee last month branded the comic 'scum' for cracking such a "repugnant and repulsive" joke.

He unleased a tirade against the chat show host on live TV, saying: "He should hope that he never crosses paths with me because I will rip his head off if I see him."

Published: 10 Mar 2003