Nicole Scherzinger's swearing on X Factor 'offensive'

Ofcom says Nicole Scherzinger's use of the term 'effing' on live TV was unsuitable for a pre-watershed audience.

The broadcasting regulator received 52 complaints after the judge said "I'm so proud, this is James effing Arthur" on The X Factor last November.

Ofcom said it was "offensive language" in the context of the show.

Several viewers said they considered the phrase was used as a substitute for a swear word.

As a result Ofcom said it was "capable of causing a certain amount of offence" and was not appropriate for a pre-watershed show which appealed to children.

The regulator said Scherzinger's use of 'effing' went beyond audience expectations for the programme, which started at 8pm.

'Not Offensive'

ITV said it did not consider the use of the word to be offensive in the context of the show.

Programme-makers on the night had considered whether to broadcast an apology but decided that it was less upsetting than the actual swear word.

It was also thought viewers would have realised Scherzinger did not mean to cause offence.

Ofcom said it noted that judges had already been reminded about the use of bad language and that the term may not be deemed as offensive in the judge's US homeland.

They decided the matter was resolved with no further action to be taken.

The X Factor is coming back to our screens later this year with Sharon Osbourne returning to the judging panel.

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