Posted on April 27, 2017

I’m Respectful, Not Racist, Says Orlando Bloom After ‘Pikey’ Gaffe

Chris Graham, Telegraph, April 27, 2017

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom (Credit Image: © David Fisher/Rex Shutterstock via ZUMA Press)

Orlando Bloom has said he is “very respectful” after being criticised for his use of the word “pikey” during an interview.

The Hollywood actor faced a backlash after describing himself as “a pikey”, a term widely deemed derogatory towards Gypsies and Travellers.

When asked during an interview on BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show about whether he does his own stunts, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor replied: “I’m still a pikey from Kent, boy, I’m still a pikey from Kent. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of me, boy.”

Nick Grimshaw, the presenter, later apologised on air for his guest’s remarks as social media users condemned the language.

The National Gypsy-Traveller-Roma Council said his use of the “racially abusive term is worrying”.

The actor, who is a former public schoolboy from Canterbury, later sought to explain his comment.

“I’ve come from Kent and I grew up with a lot of, like, freewheeling, cool, interesting characters like that,” he said. “I certainly wasn’t taking a slant at that at all. I’m very respectful.”

In a statement, Radio 1 added: “As with any live broadcast, we take great care to ensure all guests are briefed about their language before going on air. “We apologised to listeners afterwards for any offence caused.”