Channel 4 could be facing an investigation by Ofcom following it’s “disrespectful” alternative Christmas speech from Her Majesty, The Queen.
It’s said that 214 viewers have lodged an official complaint with the broadcasting watchdog, Ofcom, following the deepfake skit which aired around the same time as the Queen’s official broadcast.
During the four-minute skit, a deepfake “Queen” addressed controversial topics such as Prince Andrew’s disastrous Newsnight interview as well as Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s departure from The Royal Family.
The Queen, played by actress Debra Stephenson, later dances on her desk to perform a classic TikTok routine.
A deepfake version of The Queen delivered an alternative Christmas message on Channel 4 (Image: PA)
However, despite many seeing the comedic side of the film, others were quick to slam the skit.
A spokesperson for Ofcom said: “We are assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate,” reports The Mirror.
Defending the computer-generated imagery piece, a spokesperson for Channel 4 added: “It is very clear in the four-minute film that this is a parody of the Christmas Day address and viewers will be left in no doubt that it is not real.
The computer-generated Monarch took swipe at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before commenting on Prince Andrew (Image: PA)
“However, while the film is light-hearted, affectionate and comedic in tone, it carries a very important and timely message about trust and the ease with which convincing misinformation can be created and spread.
“This is part of a series of programmes examining the spread of misinformation and a Dispatches documentary, Deepfakes: Can You Believe Your Eyes, will further explore the emergence of deepfake technology on 28th December on Channel 4.”
The Queen’s official Christmas broadcast saw a very sombre Monarch speak about the turbulent year (Image: Getty Images)
After the short clip aired, one fan tweeted the broadcasting watchdog saying: “Can you please do something to stop this horrifically disrespectful, treasonous assault on the senses?”
While a second went on to say: “I would rather go to the kitchen and hold my hands down on the hot plate for 10 minutes than watch this ‘woke’ rubbish. Not many things in this country remain sacrosanct, but Her Majesty most certainly still does and always will!”
“@Conservatives @OliverDowden – this stunt surely cannot be ignored. The government must step in and protect the Queen from this sort of nonsense. If there is still a public stake in @Channel4 I’d suggest it’s offloaded ASAP!” raged a third.
During the speech, the “Queen” says: “I was so saddened by the departure of Harry and Meghan, there are few things more hurtful than someone telling you they prefer the company of Canadians.”
Royal editor, Ingrid Steward described it as being “in really poor taste”.
Did you tune in to the Alternative Christmas Speech? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
