Will Young says he was ‘aghast’ at Chris Moyles’ ‘rampage of homophobia’ in 2009
Pop star Will Young has revealed his shock at then Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles’ choice of jokes on the singer’s birthday in 2009
Pop star Will Young has reflected on his shock at Chris Moyles’ ‘rampage of homophobia’ on Radio 1 in 2009.
The original Pop Idol winner, now 41, appeared on Moyles’ breakfast radio show when the DJ made jokes about the singer, put on an effeminate voice and altered lyrics to Will’s songs to reflect his sexuality.
Now Will has revealed that he wished he had acted differently at the time towards Moyles’ behaviour.
Will told The Sunday Times: “It still makes me feel sad in a way, because it did affect how important I felt my sexuality was, and because I didn’t stand up for myself.
“So even though I was like, ‘Oh, it doesn’t matter,’ it did, actually. It was really bad. Really bad.”
The singer went into further detail about the incident in his new book, To Be A Gay Man, which was previewed in the paper.
Young writes in his book: “BBC Radio 1 breakfast show DJ Chris Moyles decided to embark on a rampage of homophobia against me – on my birthday no less.
“It was something that left me aghast, especially as he and I were on friendly terms.”
Among the jokes about Will, Moyles debuted his own spoof version of Will’s song Leave Right Now.
The song went:” Oooh Will Young here, mmmm. I’m here, it’s Will’s birthday and as the years go by I get more very gay.
“When you saw me years ago you didn’t know, but now I’m the gayest fella you probably know.
“Mmm I like to wear a silly hat, I get camper by the hour, oh would you look at the muck in here.
“I’m Will Young and I’m gay.”
Following the incident, broadcasting regulator Ofcom criticised Moyles and Radio 1 for potentially “promoting and condoning certain negative stereotypes based on sexual orientation” to their audience.
Mirror Online has reached out to representatives of Chris Moyles following Will Young’s comments.
Earlier this month, Will lost his twin brother Rupert when he died following years battling depressive mood disorder dysthymia, with which he was diagnosed in 2005.
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