Ofcom issue six-figure fine to TV station for claiming miracle water cures cancer
Ofcom have issued a six-figure fine to the religious channel Word Network after episodes of the programme claimed a miracle water product can cure cancer, the media watchdog said.
On Tuesday, Ofcom said it has “imposed a financial penalty of £150,000 on Word Network Operating Company”, following the channel being in breach of broadcasting rules.
The media watchdog said two episodes of Peter Popoff Ministries, presented by American televangelist Peter Popoff had “potentially harmful claims” by claiming that its water would “improve serious health conditions or financial situations”.
“Ofcom was particularly concerned that the programmes included repeated statements and testimonials about the efficacy of the water, claiming or strongly implying the water cured serious illnesses, including cancer,” it said. The watchdog said that the programme was found “in breach” of the Broadcasting Code in 2023.
It added: “While having regard to the broadcaster’s and audience’s rights to freedom of expression and religion, we considered the claims that contacting the ministry, or using its Miracle Spring Water, were effective ways to improve serious medical illnesses or financial difficulties, went beyond proclamations of faith and religious teachings and practice.”
The latest Ofcom update comes after fuming ITV viewers complained about the 2025 BRIT Awards. Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter’s saucy performance during the event on March 1 prompted a flurry of Ofcom complaints after her dance moves left some viewers red-faced.
The star launched into this year’s music awards event with sizzling renditions of her tracks “Espresso” and “Bed Chem.” Dressed in a fiery red lacy number, she heated up the stage alongside her dancers as they gyrated to the suggestive tunes. The show aired live on ITV and ITVX from 8:15pm, well before the traditional 9pm threshold, triggering a backlash from certain quarters.
Sabrina concluded her act by provocatively kneeling before a male dancer who responded with a coy wink towards the camera. Social media was abuzz with audience reactions; one user lamented: “RIP to the 9pm watershed,” while another commented about the uncomfortable experience: “Well this is just an awkward watch sat with the parents.”
The American pop star concluded her act by provocatively kneeling before a male dancer who responded with a coy wink towards the camera. Social media was abuzz with audience reactions; one user lamented: “RIP to the 9pm watershed,” while another commented about the uncomfortable experience: “Well this is just an awkward watch sat with the parents.”
Another tweet read: “I love sabrina so much cos I can see the British public reporting this to ofcom immediately,” and yet another chimed in with: “Bit inappropriate for an awards show….”
Amidst predictions that Ofcom would be inundated with disgruntled calls, it has indeed been reported that the broadcast has attracted 825 complaints. Ofcom has stated that most of these grievances were directed at Sabrina Carpenter’s provocative opening number and Charlie XCX’s daring ensemble.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox