September 15, 2008 | Sex & Society

'Little Britain USA' offends gay groups

We're not sure when the West Hollywood Gay and Lesbian Alliance decided it was Focus On the Family for the queer set, but the gay rights group is taking "Little Britain USA" to task for being "offensive and obnoxious."

The TV show, starring British comedians David Williams and Matt Lucas, promises everything from full-frontal male nudity to fat jokes. It premieres September 28 on HBO.

However some gay groups are concerned that certain scenes are homophobic. One skit involves two bodybuilders who simulate sex acts with each other while accusing an onlooker of “being a fag”.

Another potentially offensive scene co-stars Rosie O'Donnell. Lucas, who is openly gay himself, plays an insensitive weight-loss counselor. When O'Donnell shows up to the group, Lucas asks O'Donnell if she is a lesbian because her weight made it hard to attract a man.

“This is the most politically incorrect, offensive and obnoxious material ever seen in this country,” said West Hollywood Gay and Lesbian Alliance spokesman Irwin Blair. “We intend to protest in the strongest terms to HBO and urge members of the homosexual community to boycott this show.” [more]

Not to be outdone, New York Gay Pride also took a shot at the show. Spokesperson Gina Gallo said she was shocked that  Rosie O'Donnell,  "a leading voice in the gay rights movement, would allow herself to become the target of such homophobic abuse. This just isn’t what passes for comedy here. It is highly insulting."

The Federal Communications Commission, for its part, admitted it had little influence over the HBO show, offensive or not. “From your descriptions, there is no way this would be allowed on one of the major networks," it said. “The public outcry would be enormous. But paid-for cable services are not within our remit.”

Yeesh! Don't get your panties all twisted in knots over it, girls. It's called "satire."