The "Elton John incident" on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show in January has attracted one complaint to Ofcom, but has not been upheld.
Sir Elton [link=https://radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.6682.2]uttered the F word[/link] during a live interview at 8:50am, but [link=http://radiofail.wordpress.com/2011/01/28/elton-john-radio-2-breakfast-sweary-fail/]apologied[/link] after the news at 9 and proceeded to play "Sorry seems to be the hardest word".
Ofcom received one complaint that this language was inappropriate for this time of day. The BBC accepted this language was inappropriate and apologised for any offence caused.
The broadcaster said immediately after the offensive language was aired, both Chris Evans and Sir Elton John apologised. The BBC noted that while the 09:00 news was on air, the producer of the Chris Evans Breakfast Show explained to Sir Elton that it was “particularly important” not to use inappropriate language as children may be listening. The producer asked the presenter to make a further apology, and Sir Elton also said he wished to apologise again.
Following the 09:00 news, Chris Evans said “And now an apology from Sir Elton John,” and Sir Elton continued “Well I’m really, really sorry I said that naughty word”. The BBC said the verbal apology was then reinforced by playing Sir Elton John‟s song “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word”.
The broadcaster said the language “was a spontaneous outburst, borne out of irritation rather than malice or an intention to cause offence.” It said the producers of the Chris Evans Breakfast Show had e-mailed Sir Elton John‟s management team before the interview to remind them the programme was live and the singer should not swear. The BBC said on the singer‟s arrival at the studios, the producers spoke to Sir Elton‟s management team to underline this policy.