Madonna, who landed the BBC in trouble by swearing at the Live Earth gig last year, introduced the song 'Hung Up' by saying: "You guys are going to have to start fucking it up out there cos I need to feel some love.
"I'm going to do an old song. But not too old. Fuck the present. Let's live in the past."
The BBC received four complaints in all, two of which related to Radio 1's coverage and two to BBC Three's.
A BBC spokeswoman pointed out that the swearing had been broadcast after the watershed and the coverage had followed a clear warning that there could be strong language. The set was also followed by an apology from presenter Zane Low.
Last year's Live Earth gig attracted 150 complaints to the BBC due to swearing by Madonna, Phil Collins and Razorlight's Johnny Borrell, leading Ofcom to instruct the corporation to issue two on-air explanations.
Comments
"explanations"? of what, exactly? that people swear, and that the BBC, at a late hour, might occassionally broadcast someone swearing, something that they have no direct control over? gimme a break, it's pretty harmless.
Turn on the news and see bloated, contorted bodies floating face down in the water in Burma at 9pm...
Who are these 'four' pple who can be arsed to complain? Surely if you have chosen to listen to this kind of programming, you have to take pple like madonna with a pinch of salt...get a life!!!
Totally.
Madonna sounded a bit like your Mum swearing (always a bit weird if you ask me) but come one - let's get over it.
Surely the point is to lead by example?
Of course swearing goes on so does smoking and a whole raft of other anti social things. As a public funded broadcaster though why shouldn't the BBC try and adopt some high ground and set standards?
As for the 'watershed', that becomes more and more lame with iplayer and downloads so freely available.
Must have been like watching Nan from Catherine Tate show.
I abhor swearing. Really.
Four complaints.. I guess thats a `few`... what time? When she said M/F at the arts awards that time, she knew it would be reported.. I`m still wondering how many people have complained about Felicity Kendal saying `bowlocks` in Rosemary and Thyme repeats at 3.30pm.. but then it was made for later evening.. no one worries now on multi channel then? Yes.. its general language now.. remember when writers were allowed so many naughty words in a certain time, or flashes in a film? Ken Russell made me laugh.. John Trevellian was it.. ok, two of those and one of those then. How rediculous.
If Brand Republc are to publish swear words then there should be some sort of warning. It really is distressing to see marketeers associated with the crude language of the gutter. Where or where is the online equivalent of the watershed? I fear for our collective futures.
I agree that the BBC should be encouraged to take the high ground. It's all part of how their brand is different than every other broadcaster. Swearing happens, but it's admirable that the BBC is reminding us that some still find it offensive. Fuck all wrong with that.
Madonna should be made to apologise for this. And for her version of American Pie
I wish she would just fuck off basically.
She looks really awkward holding that guitar and clearly her remarks were scripted by that berk she's married to.
For godsake.
4 people....150 people....
So what about the other 100 000 who watched and loved it irrespective?
In situations like this, BBC should just have an online survey so all those who actually enjoyed the programme can confirm it online - just to give the 4 prudes some perspective on how important their opinions are when weighed up against the general public.
Comments
David Llewelyn-Jones - 12/05/2008
"explanations"? of what, exactly? that people swear, and that the BBC, at a late hour, might occassionally broadcast someone swearing, something that they have no direct control over? gimme a break, it's pretty harmless. Turn on the news and see bloated, contorted bodies floating face down in the water in Burma at 9pm...
pixie x - 12/05/2008
Who are these 'four' pple who can be arsed to complain? Surely if you have chosen to listen to this kind of programming, you have to take pple like madonna with a pinch of salt...get a life!!!
Nuts n Seeds - 12/05/2008
Totally. Madonna sounded a bit like your Mum swearing (always a bit weird if you ask me) but come one - let's get over it.
Jonathan Godson - 12/05/2008
Surely the point is to lead by example? Of course swearing goes on so does smoking and a whole raft of other anti social things. As a public funded broadcaster though why shouldn't the BBC try and adopt some high ground and set standards? As for the 'watershed', that becomes more and more lame with iplayer and downloads so freely available.
Gordon Macmillan - 12/05/2008
My mum never swears.
Jeremy Lee - 12/05/2008
Must have been like watching Nan from Catherine Tate show. I abhor swearing. Really.
Jeremy Lee - 12/05/2008
Good for her!
Charlie Harrisson - 12/05/2008
Yawn
Keith Geddes - 12/05/2008
Four complaints.. I guess thats a `few`... what time? When she said M/F at the arts awards that time, she knew it would be reported.. I`m still wondering how many people have complained about Felicity Kendal saying `bowlocks` in Rosemary and Thyme repeats at 3.30pm.. but then it was made for later evening.. no one worries now on multi channel then? Yes.. its general language now.. remember when writers were allowed so many naughty words in a certain time, or flashes in a film? Ken Russell made me laugh.. John Trevellian was it.. ok, two of those and one of those then. How rediculous.
Julian Hough - 12/05/2008
If Brand Republc are to publish swear words then there should be some sort of warning. It really is distressing to see marketeers associated with the crude language of the gutter. Where or where is the online equivalent of the watershed? I fear for our collective futures.
Peter Riley - 12/05/2008
I agree that the BBC should be encouraged to take the high ground. It's all part of how their brand is different than every other broadcaster. Swearing happens, but it's admirable that the BBC is reminding us that some still find it offensive. Fuck all wrong with that.
Jeremy Lee - 12/05/2008
Madonna should be made to apologise for this. And for her version of American Pie
AwallafaShagba - 12/05/2008
I wish she would just fuck off basically.
Eddie Bongo - 13/05/2008
filth mouth
Archie Strang - 14/05/2008
She looks really awkward holding that guitar and clearly her remarks were scripted by that berk she's married to.
Jeremy Lee - 15/05/2008
scraggy old bint anyhoo
Sonja Walt - 19/11/2008
For godsake. 4 people....150 people.... So what about the other 100 000 who watched and loved it irrespective? In situations like this, BBC should just have an online survey so all those who actually enjoyed the programme can confirm it online - just to give the 4 prudes some perspective on how important their opinions are when weighed up against the general public.