BBC swamped with Springer complaints

LONDON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Although it isn't scheduled to air until Saturday, "Jerry Springer -- The Opera" has triggered 15,000 complaints to the BBC about its bad language.

The London West End musical and film contains about 8,000 verbal obscenities, as well as scenes of tap-dancing Ku Klux Klan members and Jesus wearing diapers and admitting to being "a bit gay."

Nonetheless, The Scotsman reported the BBC is standing firm, insisting the stage musical is a serious work of art that has been lauded by critics and laden with theatrical awards.

The show, written by British composer Richard Thomas and comedian Stewart Lee, is based on Springer's brash U.S. talk show whose lurid topics have ranged from "Honey I'm a Call Girl" to "Bring on the Bisexuals."

Springer attended its London premiere and said he wishes he'd thought of it.

The show stars David Soul as Springer.