BBC Radio presenter Nicky Campbell apologises after allegedly using homophobic slur
Campbell allegedly used the word in reported speech while recounting an incident
By Aaron Sugg
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell has allegedly apologised to his colleagues after using a homophobic slur during a meeting with six editors and producers last week.
The 65-year-old broadcaster reportedly used the term “poofter”, a word that has historically been used to emasculate someone and associate them with homosexuality.
According to Metro, Campbell used the word in reported speech while recounting an incident where somebody else had used the offensive slur.
Nicky Campbell allegedly apologises to his colleagues
Despite this, his colleagues reportedly found his use of the language offensive, with Campbell later apologising face-to-face.
A source told the Daily Mail: “At the time, about half the people were saying, ‘What the fuck?’, but others were laughing about it.
“But there’s been a growing backlash since then. There are people who could be really offended by the comment.”
Campbell did not use “poofter” while on air
Campbell did not use “poofter” while on air. Had he done so, UK broadcast regulator Ofcom would have required a substantial justification for the use of that language, even if it had been said while reporting someone else’s words.
The broadcaster has a history of defending LGBTQ+ rights, as seen in 2019 when he challenged an anti-LGBT protester on BBC Radio 5 Live, describing their views as “ridiculous homophobic”.
Campbell has been a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live since 1997 and currently hosts the station’s weekday 9am to 11am phone-in programme.
Attitude has contacted representatives for Nicky Campbell and the BBC.