DJ Moyles apologises for Polish slur

by Sarah Crawley-Boevey, Brand Republic 05-Dec-08, 08:50

LONDON - Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles has apologised for comments he made live on air that suggested Poles made good prostitutes, after more than 100 people complained to the BBC.

Moyles issued a statement yesterday apologising if his words had been misinterpreted, saying: "I didn't mean to link Polish people and prostitution in the way that has been suggested, but of course I realise that some people have taken it that way and to those people I'm sorry for the unintentional offence."

During a live broadcast of the Radio 1 breakfast show, for which he is paid £650,000 a year, Moyles said: "I've always found in my experience prostitutes make very good cleaners, and their ironing is brilliant.

"I just find if you're Polish you're just very good at ironing ... and prostitutes ...very good also at fixing cars."

The comments led the Federation of Poles in Great Britain to begin a petition demanding Moyles apologise for the "offensive and nasty" words.

This latest BBC controversy, which comes just as the infamous Sachsgate incident dies down, follows last week's furore after Torchwood actor John Barrowman exposed himself during a live broadcast of Radio 1's Sunday evening 'Switch' show. The presenters and the actor were quick to apologise.