EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick suspended over ableist slur
The EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after using an ableist slur on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.
A video emerged of the actor, who plays Jay Brown on the long-running soap, using the term to describe the people of Blackpool, the town where the programme was being filmed, according to the Sun on Sunday.
On Saturday, a spokesperson for the BBC said: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.'
Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, said: 'Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.
'It's not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life, from getting a job to shopping on the high street.
'Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better. We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives.'
Borthwick won the Strictly 2023 Christmas special with Nancy Xu. The 30-year-old took part in the most recent series of Strictly, where he was paired with the professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. They were eliminated in week 10, finishing seventh.
Borthwick, who joined EastEnders in 2006 and is one of the longest-serving actors on the show, told the Sun on Sunday: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.
'It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong.
'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.
'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.'
Wynne Evans, who also competed in last year's edition of Strictly, said last week he had been dropped by the BBC, after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
The Welsh opera singer, 53, will no longer be a BBC Radio Wales presenter, he announced last week.
Earlier this year, he apologised for language that he called 'inappropriate and unacceptable' after the Mail on Sunday reported that he was heard making a remark to a woman in a video filmed during the Strictly launch event.
It is understood Evans was given a warning over the remark by tour producers.
In January, he said: 'I've agreed with the BBC that I'll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing. I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection.'
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