Channel 4's reality television programme Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins has been inundated with a substantial volume of formal complaints to the broadcasting regulator Ofcom, following a controversial episode that aired earlier this month. The show, which features famous personalities undergoing an intense, condensed version of Special Air Service training, has attracted significant criticism for its portrayal of racial stereotypes during a simulated combat scenario.
Ofcom Receives Over 1,100 Complaints
The episode broadcast on January 11 prompted viewers to lodge a remarkable 1,126 complaints with Ofcom in the subsequent week. The core of the grievance centres on a war simulation task where celebrities were required to navigate a mock combat zone, moving between two buildings while being targeted with non-lethal weaponry. As part of the exercise, the participants and simulated hostile individuals were depicted wearing keffiyehs, a traditional Middle Eastern headdress with deep cultural and historical significance across Arab communities.
Watchdog Condemns Harmful Portrayal
The broadcasting watchdog Accountable Media has been particularly vocal in its condemnation. The group argues that the programme's use of the keffiyeh transformed a peaceful symbol of Arab identity and heritage into a shorthand for violence and aggression. In a statement released via Instagram, Accountable Media warned that such portrayals are far from neutral and actively reinforce a damaging, reductive stereotype that associates Arab or Western Asian cultural markers with danger and moral threat.
The watchdog urged its followers to participate in the formal complaint process, stating: "Let's put as much pressure as possible on this conscious effort by Channel 4 to perpetuate a certain stereotype." The call to action resonated strongly, with many social media users expressing support and confirming they had submitted their own complaints to Ofcom.
Viewer Backlash and Show Context
The public reaction has been swift and severe. Comments on social media platforms described the portrayal as "utterly disgusting and abhorrent," with some viewers vowing to never watch the series again. This controversy emerges as the latest series of Celebrity SAS continues to air on Sunday nights, featuring a new format pitting British celebrities against their Australian counterparts in a gruelling course set in North Africa.
The current series has also been notable for a high rate of participant withdrawals. In the most recent episode, three more stars—Ryan Moloney, Graeme Swann, and Toby Olubi—quit the demanding course, bringing the total number of recruits who have left this series to nine. Their departures, due to medical and personal reasons, have added to the dramatic narrative of the show, albeit overshadowed by the ongoing complaints regarding cultural sensitivity.
Channel 4 Yet to Comment
As of now, Channel 4 has not issued a public statement in response to the Ofcom complaints or the criticism from Accountable Media. The broadcaster has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations of perpetuating racial stereotypes through its programming choices. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges reality television faces in balancing dramatic entertainment with responsible cultural representation, especially when simulating scenarios set in specific global regions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the powerful impact media portrayals can have on public perception and the importance of nuanced, respectful representation in popular entertainment.
