A black crew member stormed off the set of Mrs Brown’s Boys after Brendan O’Carroll’s N-word “joke” during a read-through, leaving the BBC to issue the comedian a final warning.
The junior staffer was appalled by the offensive language at the Christmas special run-through last Wednesday. An insider revealed: “How is it that they are no longer on the show…but Brendan is. The whole thing is messed-up.”
Questions arise over the BBCs decision to keep O’Carroll, who stars as Agnes Brown, instead of giving him the boot, reports the Mirror
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A source from the BBC said: “The BBC takes the matter extremely seriously and Brendan also takes the matter extremely seriously. Brendan is under no illusion about this. We have made it clear what the consequences of any future issues would be.”
Equity, the trade union for the entertainment industry, has spoken out, insisting that “no working person should be subjected to racism when doing their job”.
They continued: “Employers and engagers must realise the obligations they have and create safe, anti-racist workplaces.”
Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, the BBC’s largest union, has spoken out about workplace abuse in the creative industries:
She said: “Too often the creative industries allow a dynamic where those in power can abuse their status, causing discomfort or offence to those who work with them.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected at work, and it’s important that crew, including freelancers, can have confidence that any concerns will be heard, thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action taken.
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“Broadcasters must deal swiftly and effectively with unacceptable behaviour and walk the walk in stamping out racism.”
Brendan O’Carroll, creator of Mrs Brown’s Boys, expressed remorse for his actions in a statement to the Mirror: “At a read-through of the Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied. It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.”
It was later revealed that O’Carroll allegedly said: ‘I don’t call a spade a spade, I call a spade a …’ before being cut off by a co-star as he began to say the N-word.
O’Carroll’s representative clarified the incident, stating: “We would also like to clarify that the N-word was absolutely not spoken, it was implied. Agnes began the word but was stopped from finishing it by her daughter Cathy, as she knew she would be.”
The BBC has made a brief comment on the matter, saying: “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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
