ITV1 escapes Brit Award censure

The Osbournes teamed up to host the annual awards

ITV1 has escaped criticism from media watchdog Ofcom over Sharon Osbourne's outburst at the Brit Awards.

More than 128 people complained about the live show, which saw Osbourne - who co-hosted the event with husband Ozzy - swear at guest presenter Vic Reeves.

Ofcom said the comments were made "after the watershed and in a programme with a particular reputation".

Some viewers also complained about the "portrayal of the use of alcohol" at the ceremony, held on 20 February.

'Mild' language

In its ruling, Ofcom said the Brits was an established pop music awards ceremony with a "reputation for controversy".

The incident between Osbourne and Reeves, whom she accused of being drunk, occurred at 2135 GMT.

Ofcom said: "While we understand that this language may have been offensive to some viewers, it was broadcast after the watershed and in a programme with a particular reputation.

"We believe that regular viewers would have been aware of the likelihood of this kind of material.

"Further, Ofcom research indicates that the examples of language quoted are generally considered quite mild."

Ofcom also said the portrayal of the use of alcohol during the ceremony was "limited and incidental" to the coverage.

In Ofcom's view, the programme "did not condone or glamorise alcohol misuse".

"The effect of these images was more likely to be cautionary than attractive," it said.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version