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2 clusters · 9 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated
BBC removal of sketches from Mitchell and Webb comedy
Overview
To mark the 20th anniversary of the comedy series ‘That Mitchell and Webb Look’ on BBC iPlayer, the BBC has removed approximately 11 sketches from the program. The broadcaster stated that, in consultation with the show’s makers, it chose to include sketches that ‘still work today and not the ones that don’t.’
The removed content includes scenes featuring blackface, racial stereotypes, a parody of a makeover show involving a burqa, and jokes regarding Jimmy Savile, Gary Rhodes, and an indigenous tribe. Some of the excised material was intended as satire of racism, with characters in the sketches questioning if the humor crossed a line.
The decision has faced criticism from various comedy figures. Comedian Dom Joly described the move as ‘hysterical censorship,’ while John Cleese also criticized the broadcaster’s decision. Producer Jimmy Mulville suggested that nuance is often lost in the social media era. As of the latest reports, stars David Mitchell and Robert Webb have not issued public comments.
Entities
David Mitchell · Robert Webb · BBC · Dom Joly · John Cleese
Timeline
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3 days ago
[CULTURE] 4 sourcesBBC removes 11 sketches from ‘That Mitchell and Webb Look’The BBC has removed 11 sketches from the comedy series ‘That Mitchell and Webb Look’ for its streaming service, citing that the material no longer ‘works today.’ The move has drawn criticism from John Cleese.
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6 days ago
[CULTURE] 5 sourcesBBC removes blackface sketches from ‘That Mitchell and Webb Look’The BBC has removed 11 sketches, including those featuring blackface and racial stereotypes, from ‘That Mitchell and Webb Look’ on iPlayer, sparking debates over censorship.
Sources
chortle.co.uk · deadline.com · gbnews.com · huffingtonpost.co.uk · instapundit.com · nemosnewsnetwork.com · realitytea.com · television.mxdwn.com · thenationalpulse.com