Warning: The following article contains comments that some readers may find offensive.
In a day where it seems like nothing is off topic, the radio show, Don’t Make Me Laugh, managed to push it too far.
Back in April on The Queen’s 90th birthday, the BBC Radio 4 show, hosted by David Baddiel aired a show about Her Majesty and sex.
The show which featured guests Sara Pascoe, Omid Djalili, Russell Kane and Adam Hess received 12 complaints that the programme was offensive, especially considering it was on her birthday.
David Baddiel started off the second round introducing the topic: “…in an effort to demonstrate just how grown up and sophisticated we’ve become…I would like you Russell Kane to tell us why there is nothing funny about the fact that…”
To which the announcer followed with: “the Queen must have had sex at least four times [laughter from the studio audience]”. Referring to the fact she has four of her own children.
The four guests made many comments about what goes on behind closed doors between Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh. Comedian Russell Kane saying: “Four times we have to think of republicanism as we imagine four children emerging from Her Majesty’s vulva and for me– [audience laughter] …”
The show which regularly broadcasts at 2300 was moved to 1830 that day and the BBC has noted that it was “a regrettable failure of editorial judgement and compliance processes” after having received many complaints from those listening.
The following day BBC issued an apology on their Corrections and Clarification page: “While BBC Radio 4 comedy is a broad church and often pushes boundaries, we would like to apologise for this broadcast of Don’t Make Me Laugh. We never intended for the scheduling of the programme to coincide with the Queen’s birthday and are sorry for the offence caused by its timing and content.”.
They also removed the programme from the BBC iPlayer, cancelled any repeat broadcasts that were to happen, moved the show back to its late night time slot and sent an apology to Buckingham Palace.
The regulatory body, Ofcom found Don’t Make Me Laugh in breach of the Broadcasting Code. The BBC has not recommissioned the series according to Radio Today.
Inappropriate remarks They had a Healthy Relationship No comment Necessary
Totally Agree!
Even the apology was warped and is more concerned that it coincided with HM’s birthday than the fact that it was offensive.
I noticed that right away!!!! To me it still isn’t an apology!!!!! Heads need to roll, then we can call it even.
Whilst it attempts to service ALL parts of the public interest with its programmes, has it really lost its way in allowing such deeply offensive material to be broadcast? Time for some serious input by the trustees on behalf of the public and maybe for a few heads to roll behind and in front of the microphone.
It will never happen!!!!! The greed and power is to much!!!!! I am afraid decency is not an important part of good decorum!!!!!
They clearly don’t have decency and decorum in their lexicon. Sadly this ‘anything goes’ type of comedy knows no bounds but the BBC has a duty to set some boundaries.
I noticed there wasn’t an apology for the very words said!!!!! Never ever trust radio and television, with giving you an unbiased report about anything!!!!! They are all propagandist for the supposed globalist elite!!!! And this proves it beyond a doubt. If they were any kind of anything, they would have never said these things!!!!! Actions speak louder than non actions and sometimes words.
I find the BBC grossly offensive – particularly its “News and Current Affairs” output.
Lighten up. She’s a married woman and mother not a goddess. Royal births not immaculate ones. Those kiddos sure aren’t gods.
So funny