Chris Moyles reprimanded over 'gay' spoof lyrics to Will Young song

Chris Moyles has been censured by Ofcom for condoning negative stereotypes of gay people, after the DJ made what the media regulator ruled were derogatory comments about Will Young on his BBCRadio 1 breakfast show.

Moyles changed the lyrics of two of Young's songs, Evergreen and Leave Right Now, and sang them in "an effeminate and high pitched voice", according to Ofcom.

The Radio 1 DJ sang the spoof lyrics on his breakfast show on Young's birthday, 20 January. They included the words: "It's my birthday today, gonna wear my new dress tonight. And I smell nice. I've had a show and I've shaved my legs. Going out later, might go to Nobo for dinner. Oooh Will Young here, mmmh. I'm here, it's Will's birthday and as the years go by I get more very gay."

Other spoof lyrics inserted by Moyles included: "When you saw me years ago you didn't know, but now I'm the gayest fella you probably know. Mmm, I like to wear a silly hat, I get camper by the hour, oh would you look at the muck in here. I'm Will Young and I'm gay."

In its defence, the BBC said Young was not being ridiculed because of his sexuality, adding that Moyles' remarks were not intended to be hostile or derogatory.

However, Ofcom, in its ruling published today, said Moyles' language "could have reasonably been interpreted by listeners as promoting and condoning certain negative stereotypes based on sexual orientation".

"Although no doubt intended to be humorous, comments such as these and the manner in which they were delivered, in Ofcom's view, could reasonably have been perceived as hostile and pejorative," the regulator added.

"In Ofcom's view, the broadcast of this language by Chris Moyles, taking account of both the tone and words, had the potential to cause considerable offence."

The regulator added: "Such material runs the risk of being imitated by children, for instance in the playground, causing unnecessary distress."