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Ocean-based cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants is neither gay nor straight, his creator has said. (Pic: Paramount Pictures)
In recent weeks, a number of Christian activist groups have said the wacky yellow cartoon hero is being exploited along with best pal Patrick Starfish to promote the acceptance of homosexuality.
The US media "outed" SpongeBob, who lives in a pineapple under the Pacific Ocean, a few years ago claiming that the hugely-popular show was a big hit with the gay community.
Last week, James Dobson, a US radio evangelist, said that SpongeBob had been included in a "pro-homosexual video" after an organisation made a music video for schoolchildren aimed at promoting tolerance and diversity.
It is a remake of the 1979 hit song We Are Family using the voices and images of SpongeBob, Barney, Winnie the Pooh, Bob the Builder, the Rugrats and 100 TV cartoon stars.
SpongeBob's creator, Stephen Hillenburg, 43, said the activists' allegations are far-fetched.
He said: "It doesn't have anything to do with what we're trying to do. We never intended them to be gay.
"I consider them to be almost asexual. We're just trying to be funny and this has got nothing to do with the show."
Hillenburg has produced and directed his first SpongeBob movie which features Scarlett Johansson and Alec Baldwin voicing some of the characters. Baywatch star David Hasselhoff also makes a non-cartoon appearance.
ITV
