A Black crew member has reportedly quit the show “Mrs Brown’s Boys” after the lead actor on the BBC sitcom made a racist joke during the filming of this year’s Christmas specials. Earlier this week, it was revealed that work on the episodes was paused after Brendan O’Carroll made a joke where a “racial term was implied” during rehearsals, although the specific term has not been disclosed. The 69-year-old Irish writer and actor acknowledged the incident, saying that there was a “clumsy attempt at a joke” which backfired and caused offence, for which he deeply regrets and has apologized.
Following the incident, a BBC source expressed concern over why the junior staff member who quit the show is no longer involved, while Brendan O’Carroll continues. The source highlighted the seriousness of the matter and stated that the consequences of any future issues have been made clear to O’Carroll. The BBC conducted an investigation into the incident, temporarily halting rehearsals which have since resumed at the corporation’s Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow. Despite the controversy, the Christmas specials are still set to air on BBC One as scheduled, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, issued a statement denouncing racism in the workplace, emphasizing the need for employers to establish safe and anti-racist work environments. A BBC spokesperson reiterated the corporation’s stance against all forms of racism and assured the presence of robust processes to address any issues that may arise.
Iconic newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald criticised the incident, describing it as “crude, offensive, and insulting,” expressing that such remarks are meant to hurt and insult. He suggested that the BBC should take strong action and address the community’s rejection of such offensive language. “Mrs Brown’s Boys” has long been a controversial show during the festive season, eliciting polarised responses from audiences and critics alike.
The sitcom, created, written, and starring Brendan O’Carroll, continues to draw a substantial viewership, but criticisms persist regarding its outdated and unfunny content. Calls for a reassessment of the show’s programming have surfaced in recent years, amidst claims that it is divisive, crass, and lacking in humour. The Independent’s Nick Hilton previously gave a zero-star review to a New Year’s Day special, labelling it as unfunny and stating that its comedic value is sorely lacking.
As the debate surrounding “Mrs Brown’s Boys” continues, the show remains a popular yet contentious fixture on TV screens, engaging viewers while also sparking debate and critique.