Despite being a hit with ratings, Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings has had the opposite effect on The London Gypsy and Traveller Unit, who have slammed the channel for the stereotypes that are portrayed in the show and the advertising campaign which features the slogan: "Bigger Fatter Gypsier".
In the open letter sent by The London Gypsy and Traveller Unit to Channel 4's headquarters in Westminster, the group asked:
"What does 'Gypsier' mean in this context and what do the images say about being a Gypsy? The stereotype promoted is that of apparently alluring girls and young women and of menacing young men.
"It is hurtful and damaging to use the correct descriptive term for an ethnic group as a sly dig at that group."
They also added: "We wonder if Channel 4 would have been so ready to use adverts with similarly compromising images and phrases like 'Jewisher' or 'more Asian' or 'Blacker'?"
Reacting to the comments made by the group, Channel 4 said in a statement:
"The word 'gypsier' refers to the fact that this series offers even greater access and insight to the communities featured, and the terms 'gyspy' or 'gypsier' are not being used in a negative context.
"Everyone featured in the campaign has seen the posters and is happy with them. All images were taken with full consent and all aspects of the poster campaign fully comply with advertising guidelines."
What did you think of last night's show? Check out our review here!
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