Canada: Radio show cancelled after homophobic comments by host about trial of which he was jury foreman
A Toronto radio station has cancelled the show of one of its presenters after he was involved in making homophobic comments about gay men involved in a criminal trial of which he was the jury foreman.
The Edge 102.1, announced the cancellation of the Dean Blundell Show today, after last month he was involved in the controversy. The show had already been suspended indefinitely following complaints.
In an early December episode of his show, he and other members of his team were heard making jokes that a man who was sentenced to imprisonment for sexually assaulting three other men, would actually enjoy his imprisonment.
They also mocked men who visit gay saunas generally, and the victims of the crime. Reports at the time pointed out that he had sworn an oath in the courthouse as jury foreman, that he was not prejudiced against gay people.
A statement on the station’s website today read: “With the start of the new year, Corus Radio will be taking 102.1 the Edge in a new direction in 2014. The station will return to a more music-based format showcasing the best in modern rock. As a result, The Dean Blundell Show has been cancelled, effective January 6, 2014.”
A video featuing the comments can be viewed below. Please note that it contains explicit views some people may find offensive.
The show had repeatedly been criticised for homophobic and discriminatory views, most recently in August 2013.
Blundell tweeted on Monday: “Truly love you all. The last 13 years been the greatest time of my life.”
