BBC downplays Norton's drug-use remarks

LONDON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The British Broadcasting Corp. is sticking with Graham Norton after the newly signed TV host's frank remarks about ecstasy and other recreational drugs.

The BBC said in a statement Saturday that Norton's comments in an interview with the fashion magazine Marie Claire were aimed at "an adult audience and reflect the frank and open nature of his personality."

Norton told the magazine he had extensive experience in sampling various drugs, including ecstasy, which he described as "fantastic" and "really, really fun."

Although he dismissed the appeal of cocaine, Sky News said, his remarks were sharply criticized by British anti-drug organizations that maintained celebrities should be telling people about the downside of narcotics.