Mrs Brown’s Boys star and creator Brendan O’Carroll has issued an apology after what he described as a “clumsy joke” sparked a racism investigation at the BBC.
The comedian made the offensive comment during a read-through of the sitcom’s Christmas special last week and admitted that the attempt at a joke “backfired”.
Rehearsals were halted after the comment was reported to BBC bosses. And now, O’Carroll, 69, has issued a statement to the Mirror.
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In it, he said: “At a read-through of the Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.”
A spokesperson for the BBC added: “Whilst we don’t comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism and we have robust processes in place should issues ever arise.”
People present during the read-through were said to have been left shocked.
A source told the Mirror: “The whole production of the Christmas special was paused while the investigation was carried out. The entire cast and crew were stood down in the wake of the comment as the BBC tried to get to the bottom of it.”
After O’Carroll issued his apology, rehearsals have reportedly now resumed at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay studio.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
