Romesh Ranganathan's new comedy panel show Unacceptable has ignited controversy after airing a segment that mocked the Royal Family, particularly Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. The show, which debuted on TLC, is hosted by Ed Gamble and features Richard Ayoade and Joanne McNally as team captains. It invites celebrity guests to share and defend their most controversial opinions on television, leading to accusations of giving stars free rein to say offensive material in the name of comedy.
Segment Targets Duke of Kent and Princess Diana
In the first episode, Ranganathan argued that the Royal Family need an extra £500 in cash more than a struggling NHS midwife. He joked that Prince Edward “looks as if he needs it more” after being pictured looking frail in recent months. The show also mocked the late Princess Diana, with Ranganathan quipping: “The royals are essentially our longest-running soap opera. Marriages, deaths, fights, affairs… car crashes.” According to the Daily Mail, the studio audience reacted with a “warning rumble” instead of applause.
Additional Royal Jokes and Accusations of Racism
Ranganathan insulted Princess Catherine and Prince William’s marriage, while Joanne McNally suggested Prince Harry should “do a DNA test live” to confirm if King Charles is his father. The comedian also accused the palace of racism, claiming he once performed at a Christmas party for royal staff and was asked to serve as both a waiter and a comic, adding: “Can you bring 20 minutes of your best stuff and some poppadoms?”
Criticism Over Ranganathan's Mother's Role
The show has also faced backlash for featuring Ranganathan’s mother, Shanthy, who he has been accused of “shoehorning in” to various on-screen projects. The controversy has sparked debate about the boundaries of comedy and respect for the monarchy.
