I'm respectful, not racist, says Orlando Bloom after 'pikey' gaffe
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.
I love that Orlando Bloom keeps saying pikey on Radio 1 when there was a whole feature on there about how offensive that is the other day ��
— wann™ (@neversquare) April 26, 2017
No, Orlando Bloom on @R1Breakfast@BBCR1, you're not a 'pikey from kent'. It's a racist slur! #radio1#traveller#gypsy#racism
— angree bindii (@angreebindii) April 26, 2017
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."