One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson criticised over use of ‘n’ word in Peruvian pot video

THE video showing One Direction members smoking marijuana on their tour bus has caused a fresh cloud of controversy.

FILE - This Nov. 3, 2013 file photo shows One Direction members Louis Tomlinson, left, and Zayn Malik during an event for their film "One Direction: This Is US," in Makuhari, near Tokyo, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013. A representative for One Direction says the band’s lawyers are dealing with a video showing two band members smoking what the singers referred to as an “illegal substance.” British tabloid The Daily Mail posted a five-minute clip Tuesday, May 27, 2014, of Zayn Malik smoking and speaking with Louis Tomlinson, who is filming. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)

THE video footage showing One Direction singers Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson smoking a joint on the band’s tour bus in Peru has caused a fresh cloud of controversy, this time over Tomlinson’s use of a diminutive version of the “n” word.

At one point in the clip, Tomlinson — who was filming — puts on an exaggerated dopey voice and says to the camera: “F***ing ‘ell bro, I’m chillin. Oh my God bro. My ‘ed’s a wreck. It’s green only! Nig!”

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In the same video Malik and Tomlinson are heard making disparaging remarks about the band’s official book, which is described as “gay” by Tomlinson and “really girlie” by Malik.

Their statements have been widely condemned in Britain, where racism in the media has become a much discussed issue.

Earlier this month, Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson was censured - and very nearly lost his job - for letting the “n” word slip while reciting a nursery rhyme during filming of the show.

The Daily Mail quoted British Conservative MP John Whittingdale, who called on the band to apologise for the tour bus statements.

“They have a responsibility to set an example,” he said. “People look up to them and admire them. They have got to understand that use of terms like this is very offensive to people.”

Luke Tryl from the gay rights advocacy organisation Stonewall said the singers “need to get their meaning straight when they say the word ‘gay’.

“Homophobic language is endemic in Britain’s schools and these insults can have a devastating impact on the self-esteem of gay young people. The boys ought to know better and should be setting an example to their millions of fans.”

Fans have also expressed their dismay on social media.

PROTECT YOUR KIDS! one direction are bad influences!! We need your unwanted tickets!! Don't support these pot heads!! Sell ur tix asap!!!

— b // proud of niall (@stylesallegiant) May 27, 2014

Sub-type: comment CAPTION: PROTECT YOUR KIDS! one direction are bad influences!! We need your unwanted tickets!! Don't support these pot heads!! Sell ur tix asap!!!— b // proud of niall (@stylesallegiant) May 27, 2014

I can't believe louis and zayn smoke pot!!! I am NEVER listening to one direction again that's for sure!!!!!

— anna (@ashtonarryyyy) May 27, 2014

Sub-type: comment CAPTION: I can't believe louis and zayn smoke pot!!! I am NEVER listening to one direction again that's for sure!!!!!— anna (@ashtonarryyyy) May 27, 2014

Still haven't slept since the news about One Direction smoking weed. Can only hope that other musicians do not copy this kind of behaviour.

— Jake Probably (@Jakexox) May 29, 2014

Sub-type: comment CAPTION: Still haven't slept since the news about One Direction smoking weed. Can only hope that other musicians do not copy this kind of behaviour.— Jake Probably (@Jakexox) May 29, 2014

Originally published as One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson criticised over use of ‘n’ word in Peruvian pot video