Mrs Brown's Boys star caught up in BBC racism investigation after making 'clumsy joke'
ok.co.ukBrendan O'Carroll, the star and creator of Mrs Brown's Boys, has had to say sorry after a "clumsy joke" during a script read-through led to a racism probe at the BBC.The comedian acknowledged that his attempt at humour with the character Agnes didn't land as intended, confessing that it "backfired".
Following the incident, which occurred last week, while cast were preparing for the sitcom's Christmas special, rehearsals were put on pause when the remark was escalated to BBC higher-ups.
Speaking to the Mirror, Brendan expressed his remorse: "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." He added: "It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised." A BBC spokesperson told OK! "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." Sources claim that those present at the read-through were taken aback by the comment.
A source claimed to 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." Now that Brendan has made an apology, reports suggest that rehearsals have kicked off again at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay studios.
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