LBC host Steve Allen cleared by Ofcom after branding Strictly’s Tilly Ramsay ‘chubby’… – The Sun
BROADCASTING watchdog Ofcom has cleared radio host Steve Allen over his comments about Tilly Ramsay's weight.
The media regulator received 860 complaints after the 67-year-old LBC DJ referred to the 20-year-old Strictly Come Dancing contestant as a "chubby little thing" live on air.
Tilly, who is the daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, later issued a statement on Instagram saying she would not tolerate people commenting on her appearance.
Ofcom assessed the comments, which were broadcast on October 18, after complaints that Allen had breached "generally accepted standards".
However, they have now announced that they will not launch a formal investigation because they said the remarks were brief and listeners to Allen's show were used to him being "provocative".
The watchdog acknowledged Allen's remarks could have had a detrimental impact on Tilly's mental health and said they had provided guidance to the radio station.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: "We have provided guidance to LBC to take greater care in future.
"Given societal concerns about body image pressures on young people, the presenter’s criticism of a young woman’s appearance could have led to an adverse effect on wellbeing and mental health.
"But given the brevity of the comments and the likely audience’s expectations of this provocative presenter and programme, we will not be pursuing further."
Allen made the comments after being told Tilly had also taken part in Celebrity MasterChef Australia.
He said: "Tilly Ramsay is on Celebrity MasterChef Australia, is she? Well she can’t blooming well dance, I’m bored with her already.
"She’s a chubby little thing, isn’t she? Have you noticed? Probably her dad’s cooking I should imagine."
In her response, Tilly wrote: "I try not to read and listen to comments and negativity, however recently being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far.
"Steve, please feel free to voice your opinions, however I draw the line at commenting on my appearance. It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative.
"I won’t tolerate people that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance."
Tilly's father later spoke of his pride in the way she had dealt with the controversy.
He said: "It made me feel very proud that she stood up and said, 'I'm not taking this.'
"I think it was a breath of fresh air that level of standing up and saying, 'We're not going to tolerate that'."
Allen is thought to have apologised privately to Tilly, who was eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing before the quarter final stage.
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