15 Jan 2002

boy george's tv sex chat upsets viewers

TV regulators have upheld complaints about pop star Boy George's appearance on a UK talk show where he discussed in detail the 'benefits' of anal sex and masturbation.

Television regulators in the Britain criticised a talk show hosted by Frank Skinner which featured a guest appearance gay pop icon Boy George, the UK news website Ananova reports.

More than 20 viewers contacted the Independent Television Commission (ITC) to complain about ITV1's Frank Skinner Show after Boy George talked graphically about gay sex and masturbation in November last year.

Viewers claimed the interview, which apparently discussed the location of the male 'g-spot' and the 'benefits' of buggery and masturbation had exceeded the bounds of taste and decency.

The broadcaster however argued there was a warning screened before the show was aired and that viewers would have been aware of the nature of the show.

After watching the programme, the ITC ruled that the interview had breached its code and the discussion had been devoted almost wholly to the subject of sexuality and had contained repeated graphic reference to various sexual practices.

Its ruling said: "Boy George seemed to be determined to disconcert Skinner through a series of 'outrageous' suggestions.

"The ITC did feel that the unrelenting sexual nature of the whole Boy George interview, and one or two of the references in particular had gone beyond the limits of the code," they said.

The ITC, however, rejected complaints from 17 viewers about Skinner's jokes regarding the war in Afghanistan, calling the remarks "justifiable satire" against a brutal and repressive regime.

The report did not mention if Skinner, his show's producers or the broadcasters would be fined.

In related news, Boy George's new stage musical Taboo featuring 21 new songs written by Boy George, began previews Monday in London's West End. The musical was named after the London nightclub where George spent much of his youth. Taboo's official opening is scheduled for January 29.