Australian Senate: Ramsay Fills TV with 'Astounding Volume of Foul Language'
Perhaps more known for his expletive-laced tirades more than he is for his restaurants, Gordon Ramsay is now facing an inquiry from the Australian Senate "for filling the television with an astounding volume of foul language":
The Australian Senate inquiry was prompted by wide protests against Mr. Ramsay’s coarse vocabulary, which is not bleeped out on Australian television because the show is broadcast after 8:30 p.m. Viewers pummeled the station with complaints anyway, the Catholic Church wanted the show dropped, and several senators, as The Telegraph of Britain delicately put it, “were outraged by the British chef’s turn of phrase.”
The inquiry was prompted after Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi saw an episode of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares and was horrified by the number of times Ramsay spewed "the F word" in a single episode (read: 80 times in 40 minutes)—"And I'm not referring to fondue," he added.
While Senator Bernardi argued that there was no excuse for such excessive foul language to be broadcast publicly and suggested it be beeped out, the panel of senators ultimately decided against completely censoring Ramsay's rants, noting that there was a lack of "overwhelming community consensus" for such a ban.
Unsurprisingly, Ramsay has been unapologetic and stands by his behavior: "It's high pressure, high energy and more importantly, real. That's how we keep it each and every day." As for advice to his sensitive TV critics: "Turn over [the TV channel]. Isn't it easier?"
To top it off, Ramsay was presented with a "swear jar" at a function for the Sydney Food and Wine show on Friday, so that he could put a penny in it every time he cursed. His response? Dropping the jar on the floor, which smashed into pieces—prompting a flurry of—what else?—those F words. [via NYT's The Lede]
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5 Comments:
He does what he does so well, Gordie. Whatever it is. You can not say the man does not do his job thoroughly.
foodvox at 11:52AM on 06/21/08
Anyone who's ever heard of him knows how he talks. If you don't like his language, don't watch the show. That's why there are several channels and an on/off button. Perhaps there should be an inquiry of people without the sense to use them.
beth1 at 12:14PM on 06/21/08
WOW if they didn't say Austrailia I'd thought it was one of these US senators getting his panties in a wad... here it is simple.....if you don't liike it turn it to another channel or turn it off " You Rock Gordon"
Markbb at 3:29PM on 06/21/08
I love The F Word
paris221966 at 9:48PM on 06/21/08
I think he is sexy, and even more so when he says the F-word, it just adds to his devil-may-care charm!
Vicky at 4:40AM on 06/23/08