Mehdi Hasan

Mehdi Hasan’s polemical take on politics, economics and foreign affairs

Quote of the week

Posted by Mehdi Hasan - 06 October 2009 17:16

From the man the so-called "lefty-liberal" BBC won't sack

"I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist, and that I do not use racist language."
Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke, after being overheard calling his dance partner, Laila Rouass, a "Paki" and a "terrorist"

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3 comments from readers

14Infallibles
06 October 2009 at 23:48

I was not previously aware that Du Beke had called Rouass a "terrorist" - thats shocking!

Remarkable how there's not even a hint of an apology in that statement. The classic 'regret' if anybody was offended by what he said.

Shameful.

lenardo23
07 October 2009 at 11:25

Du Beke said: "I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language. "During the course of rehearsals Laila and I have exchanged a great deal of banter entirely in jest, and two weeks ago there was an occasion when this term was used between the two of us.

"There was no racist intent whatsoever but I accept that it is a term which causes offence and I regret my use of it, which was done without thought or consideration of how others would react.

"I apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused."

Looks like an apology to me 14Infallibles. Not much of a story here really. Are we going to report every d-list celeb who has uttered a bad word from now on?!

I have also joked around with Pakistani friends, Caribbean friends, Australian friends, English friends, and in jest people use words like 'paki', 'pom', 'convict', etc. Works both ways. People need to get over themselves.

PM-elect
09 October 2009 at 23:54