BBC viewers lashed out at the channel branding them “tone deaf” for airing a film that features scenes where Kermit The Frog is seen dancing with Russian soldiers.
Muppets Most Wanted aired over the weekend prompting complaints from concerned members of the public who felt it was inappropriate considering Russia had declared war on Ukraine just days earlier.
The film stars comedian Ricky Gervais as a scathing villain called Dominic Badguy who works alongside his evil sidekick – and Kermit lookalike – Constantine.
When Kermit is ambushed in Berlin and carted off to a Russian prison where he receives a warm welcome from his fellow inmates as they mistake him for Constantine.
(Image: BBC)
Kermit is then seen teaching the inmates and wardens to sing and dance after becoming friends with them.
The decision to air the movie caused outrage with viewers with many taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations at the broadcaster.
One wrote: “Muppets Most Wanted on the BBC seems like a perfect time to play a film about a Russian crime mastermind.”
Another added: “BBC playing Muppets Most Wanted, which includes Kermit being locked up in a Russian Gulag, feels a little tone-deaf.”
(Image: BBC)
A third furious social media user posted: “Well done to the BBC for the most insensitive choice of family film today.”
A fourth viewer penned: “Why is the BBC showing a program right now about the Muppets in Russia? For kids I know but very insensitive all the same.”
A fifth added: “Had to sadly turn off the BBC 1 showing ‘Muppets Most Wanted’ movie it’s a little insensitive at this present moment ‘Russia’ wanting to take over and kidnap the muppets.”
While another concerned viewer ranted: “@BBC REALLY!!? There’s a war with Russia at the moment, and you chose to put on a Muppets film featuring Russian Military prowess as a plot point!? So glad I don’t pay my license fee!”
(Image: BBC)
Daily Star has contacted the BBC for comment.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his invasion of Ukraine on Thursday (February 24) after weeks of speculation around the world.
On Sunday (February 27) Ukraine’s Interior Ministry announced that 352 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and another 1,684 wounded since the invasion began.
The Russian Defence Ministry confirms that there have been Russian casualties but as yet have not disclosed the number.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
