Brendan O'Carroll, star of the BBC comedy Mrs Brown's Boys, has sparked controversy after allegedly using a racial slur during a script reading for the upcoming Christmas special. The incident has raised questions about the BBC's handling of workplace culture and its commitment to anti-racism.
According to reports, O'Carroll, while in character as Agnes Brown, improvised a line saying, “I don’t call a spade a spade, I call a spade a…” and is alleged to have begun uttering the N-word before being stopped by a co-star. The term 'spade' is listed in the BBC's editorial guidelines as a derogatory term for a Black person.
O'Carroll apologised, calling it a “clumsy attempt at a joke” that “backfired and caused offence.” However, critics argue that the BBC's response has been inadequate. Despite the incident, filming for the Christmas and New Year specials continues, and a Black crew member reportedly quit over the handling of the matter.
This is not the first time O'Carroll has faced accusations of racial insensitivity. In 2022, he made a remark about Tyler Perry's skin colour on The One Show, which was widely condemned. The BBC has stated it is “against all forms of racism” and has “robust processes” in place, but many question why the show has not been cancelled.
BBC director general Tim Davie recently said no one at the corporation is “indispensable,” yet O'Carroll's show remains on air. The incident has reignited debate about whether Mrs Brown's Boys should be axed, not just for its humour, but for the culture it represents.
