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BBC says sorry as Tony Curtis turns the airwaves blue
Saturday, 23 May 2009
enlargeScreen legend Tony Curtis forced the BBC to apologise to thousands of listeners after swearing during a live radio interview in Northern Ireland.
The actor, who famously dressed as a woman opposite Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot, turned the air blue with profanity on BBC Radio Ulster yesterday.
The 84-year-old was being interviewed to promote his book American Prince, which will include a visit to the Ulster Hall in Belfast on Wednesday.
However, during the phone interview on Talk Back the acclaimed actor swore numerous times, forcing presenter William Crawley to apologise.
Curtis was asked how he came to liken the love scene with Monroe in the 1959 movie to “kissing Hitler” and he told how it was a private, off-the-cuff remark while under pressure on the film set.
Then he said: “And you know what, some b******s go away and make that a headline.”
Mr Crawley apologised and then went on to ask the actor about his Oscar nomination for his role in The Defiant Ones.
Curtis replied: “They nominated Sidney (Poitier) and I for the same part in that film, and that was bull***t, I was offended by that”, leading to the presenter offering another apology.
The Hollywood legend went on to swear again when explaining how he hates the Oscars. He said: “I think it is unfair the way they treat actors... they can f*** off.”
In reply Mr Crawley said: “Oh no, now come on! We can't use that language, I apologise to our listeners.” The actor apologised after realising the programme was live.
“You can always cut those bits out, we are not live, are we? Oh, it is live! I apologise to everybody for what I have said, I didn't want to offend anyone, I apologise.”
But Mr Crawley told him: “Don't worry, people in Northern Ireland are very understanding.”
In a statement the BBC said: “There were approximately seven calls/text messages to Talk Back with a balanced reaction. We apologise for any offence caused.”
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph earlier, Curtis spoke about his time on the set of Some Like It Hot. “Billy Wilder (the director) said when he decided to do the picture he should have Tony Curtis to do it because he is the handsomest fella in town. Isn’t that a great compliment?”
Tony Curtis will be at the Ulster Hall this Wednesday at 7.30pm. His book American Prince is published by Virgin Books priced £8.99.
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Posted by Michael | 25.05.09, 16:30 GMT
Swearing is second nature to a lot of Irish and English people, not to mention the Scots also - I just think sometimes that people complain too much all of the time instead of laughing it off and joke about the gaffes people make.
Posted by T Hardy | 23.05.09, 21:46 GMT
I do not believe for a moment that "thousands of people protested"about the interview.
In fact people don't give two hoots about the way people express themselves.
Tony Curtis is more in tune with the way young people think and talk than William Crawley and auntie BBC is.
Posted by Trevor | 23.05.09, 20:43 GMT
7 Calls/texts and only some were complaints?
I hope someone has called the cops about this!
Posted by Ted Patten | 23.05.09, 18:24 GMT
Surely one of the bonuses of being a cranky old man is that you can say the odd rude word inadvertently.
Posted by Malachy McAnespie | 23.05.09, 15:03 GMT
BIG DEAL! If you are offended by a few swear words in this day and age, then what planet are you from? This is life today, like it or not. Tony Cutis has had a wonderful colourful life and he was on the show to to give us a flavour of it. I'm sick listening shallow folk having their delicate little heads spun with so called bad talk. How special do people think they are?There are more important things to be annoyed about, ie; horses being stoned to death and babies raped and murdered.
Posted by P Crowson | 23.05.09, 09:40 GMT
Oh for heavens sake - you know what to expect when Tony Curtis is involved; bad language, sexual innuendo and the same tired old anecdotes trotted out again and again. How many times have we heard that story about Marilyn Monroe? why can't interviewers ask an original question for a change! I suggest that if anyone was offended during that interview to steer clear of his book - unless Mr Crawley is on hand to issue apologies at the checkout...
Posted by MissCulture | 23.05.09, 09:28 GMT