Hollywood’s Rainbow Gaffe Lands GBBO in Hot Water

Hollywood’s rainbow gaffe lands GBBO in hot water among a number of  viewers.

Channel 4’s GBBO received a flurry of complaints after Paul Hollywood’s rainbow gaffe.

During the technical challenge of this week’s episode of the Great British Bake Off, the contestants were challenged to produce bagels. But not just any bagels, rainbow bagels. However, some of the show’s viewers were left annoyed by Paul Hollywood’s comments about the rainbow as a symbol.

Hollywood’s rainbow gaffe saw Ofcom, the broadcast regulator, hit with numerous complaints after Hollywood, 54, appeared to be unaware of the origins of the rainbow symbol as a representation of the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.

During the show, Prue Leith asked, “Paul, why rainbow coloured bagels?”

Paul replied, “I think bagels are a great challenge when you’re making bread, you’ve got to boil them which is unusual and then bake them as well.”

“I think the rainbow colours for me, although it originated over in the States, I think it represents the NHS.”

Prue then added: “Well it does now.”

A number of viewers took to social media and contacted Ofcom to express their frustration over the glossing over of the history of the rainbow symbol as an expression of diversity and equality in the LGBT+ movement since as far back as 1978, particularly when new host, Matt Lucas, is a member of, and advocate for, the LGBT+ community.


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Chris Kidd

Chris has spent a colourful and varied international career in the Arts followed by a substantial career in Education. Having moved to Spain in 2019 for a different pace and quality of life with his fiancé, he has now taken up a new and exciting role working with the online department of Euro Weekly News. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

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