TRAVEL CHANNEL DEFENDS BOURDAIN 'B-WORD' ON DANCEHALL REGGAE

June 16, 2008, 3 a.m. - The Travel Channel today is defending its Emmy-nominated program host, Anthony Bourdain's, use of the B-word when describing dancehall reggae on the Jamaica episode of "No Reservations."

"In reviewing both the claim and the episode, it is clear that Anthony Bourdain's comments were not directed at any individuals," James Ashurst, vice president of communications, told Redding News Review. "Rather, they were an observation regarding the tone of the lyrics he and his crew had experienced. The Travel Channel stands by the program as it was presented."

Bourdain has been under fire ever since Redding News Review reported two weeks ago that Bourdain used the B-word in a narration describing dancehall reggae on the program's Jamaica episode.

In the episode, Bourdain and his crew went to a street performance in Kingston as he gave a brief synopsis of dancehall.

"There's no rootsy, laid back Rasta vibe," Bourdain narrates. "This ain't about standing up for your rights or praising Jah or anything like that. Like Reggaetón, its mutant cousin, dancehall is the hardcore beat behind lyrics concerning, for the most part: acquiring possessions, getting respect on the street, beating down perceived enemies and enjoying the physical charms of varied, if not multitudinous, b**ches."

Bourdain's comments received mixed reaction from Jamaicans and dancehall music lovers. Some community leaders are calling for an honest discussion on the state of the dancehall industry.