The BBC is Sorry; Barrowman Apologizes
The BBC has been having a spot of trouble lately with what is perceived as prurient content.
A few weeks ago Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross went way over the line on their show. They left lewd messages on the phone of 78 year old actor Andrew Sachs. A joke about bestiality caused a ruckus because it was aired in the family hour.
Now we have the case of John Barrowman "exposing" himself on BBC one. Just how do you "expose" yourself on the radio? I listened to the show in question last night. "Switch" with co-hosts Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw, presents itself as the place to go for whats new and exciting. The show was pleasant with little talk, unless a guest was present, and a variety of pop music.
Enter John Barrowman, and almost the first words spoken to him where "We understand you are famous for taking your willy out in public, is this going to happen today?" A more conservative show might have asked about his new single or Torchwood Series3... but when the opening salvo involves the word "willy," I don't think they were expecting anything else.
The studio was maned by adults who seemed to be having a great time. Mr. Barrowman is famous for his love of life and people and fun. Maybe it went a little too far, but he immediately apologized. Subject closed.
The BBC on the other hand gets one or two complaints and issues a public apology. Why? For not backing up their people, creating a tempest in a teapot, or now seeing smut lurking behind every joke?
I had the pleasure of briefly meeting Mr. Barrowman at Comic-Con in San Diego this year and watched him interact with hundreds of fans. He was pleasant, welcoming and charming to one and all, old and young, male and female.
He might still have a lot of the little boy still in his soul, but isn't that a gift from God?
