Mrs. Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll is under a racism investigation following a ‘clumsy joke’ that went wrong. The 69-year-old actor used an offensive term during a read-through of the Christmas special at BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow last Wednesday. The incident prompted an immediate probe by the BBC after cast and crew members raised concerns about the comment.
Rehearsals for the Christmas special were momentarily halted as the investigation was launched. Brendan O’Carroll issued an apology, acknowledging the joke had caused offense and expressing regret for his actions. The BBC stated its stance against racism and confirmed the existence of robust processes to address such issues.
Being synonymous with Mrs. Brown’s Boys as its main star and creator, O’Carroll’s involvement is pivotal to the show. Production for the Christmas special was put on hold while the investigation unfolded, with the entire cast and crew affected by the pause in rehearsals. Following O’Carroll’s apology, rehearsals have resumed after the investigation was concluded.
The news of the racism probe is another setback for the BBC amid various recent scandals, including controversies surrounding other shows like Strictly Come Dancing. Mrs. Brown’s Boys remains a popular show for the BBC, attracting a large viewership. Despite the incident, the show continues to receive support and recognition, having recently won an award at the National Television Awards.
O’Carroll revealed plans for a new series and festive specials as the show maintains its success. The BBC has announced the recommissioning of a fifth series, set to commence production in 2025. Additionally, O’Carroll is working on a new show titled Shedites, featuring comedian Tommy Cannon in a leading role. The BBC’s head of comedy praised Mrs. Brown’s Boys as an iconic comedy show within their portfolio.
The BBC remains committed to addressing issues of racism and ensuring a respectful working environment for all involved in their productions. O’Carroll’s apology and the subsequent resumption of rehearsals signal a step towards resolving the incident and moving forward with the show’s upcoming projects.