Channel 4's commissioning editor Nick Hornby has defended Big Fat Gypsy Weddings following criticism from the gypsy community.
After London Gypsy and Traveller Unit complained about the stereotypes in the show and its "Bigger Fatter Gypsier" billboard campaign, blogger Pipopotamus wrote an open letter urging the broadcaster to "stop ruining my life" with the series.
In the letter, the 17-year-old Romany writer claimed that the popular Channel 4 series is a "work of fiction".
He also criticised the series' narrow focus on the Irish gypsy community, noted that he and his family had been subject to abuse during the broadcast of the previous series and took issue with the show's "unhealthy obsession with little girls".
"I am not after 5 minutes of fame, but what I am asking for, is for you to put humans above ratings. You can't ignore us forever," he concluded.
Hornby responded with his own open letter on the Channel 4 website where he defended the show and added that the broadcaster has confidence that "the programme is fair and accurate".
"It is not and was never the intention of any of the films to encourage negative feelings towards Gypsies or Travellers," he said.
"Despite your fear that people are watching the documentaries simply to laugh at Gypsies and Travellers, I think the films are celebratory and I hope never derogatory."
Hornby added: "You also say in your letter that the series is a 'work of fiction'. I'm afraid we don't agree.
"The programme makers have worked with people from these communities across the UK and Ireland to ensure that there is a wide range of voices sharing their lives and views on what it means to be a Gypsy or Traveller in Britain and Ireland today."
Overnight data showed that the series premiere of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings won its 9pm timeslot in last week's ratings.
