CHRIS MOYLES - MOYLES SLAMMED FOR WILL YOUNG 'HOMOPHOBIC JOKE'

MOYLES SLAMMED FOR WILL YOUNG 'HOMOPHOBIC JOKE'

Radio 1 disc jockey Chris Moyles has been criticised for mocking singer Will Young's sexuality during a satirical song on his breakfast show.

According to Ofcom, the song - which aired in January - could have been reasonably seen by a listener to be "promoting and condoning certain negative stereotypes based on sexual orientation" as Young is openly gay.

Eight listeners complained about the broadcast on January 20th, which Moyles had observed was the Pop Idol winner's birthday.

The media watchdog said it had taken into account Moyles' irreverent style but ruled the item - during which Moyles sang alternative versions of Young's hits Evergreen and Leave Right Now in a high-pitched, effeminate voice - had gone beyond acceptable boundaries.

The DJ's version of Evergreen included the lyrics: "It's my birthday, gonna wear my new dress tonight. And I smell nice. I've had a shower and I've shaved my legs. Going out later, might go to Nob-oooh for dinner."

In his take on Leave Right Now, Moyles sang: "When you saw me years ago you didn't know, but now I'm the gayest fella you probably know. Mmm I like to wear a silly hat, I get camper by the hour, oh would you look at the muck in here. I'm Will Young and I'm gay."

Ofcom said that, though the comments were "no doubt intended to be humorous", they could reasonably be seen as "hostile and pejorative".

"Ofcom took account of the fact that Chris Moyles is a well-known and influential presenter and that many listeners are familiar with his style and humour," the watchdog added.

Moyles was criticised last month over a joke which mentioned Auschwitz.

The outspoken Radio 1 presenter was speaking on his morning show about appearing on BBC1's Who Do You Think You Are?, in which celebrities learn about their genealogy.