Brendan O'Carroll has defended his right to offend after facing backlash over a joke about his black co-star Tyler Perry. The Mrs Brown's Boys star, 66, told The Daily Star that viewers who are outraged can simply 'change the channel'.
O'Carroll was criticised by BBC viewers for making what they called an 'ignorant' and 'blatantly racist' remark during an appearance on The One Show on Tuesday. When asked if he would have Perry as a guest star on his show, O'Carroll quipped: 'He's very expensive, and so far we haven't had anyone of his colour in there,' gesturing to his own face.
While Perry laughed off the comment, saying 'Diversity rules!', social media users were quick to condemn O'Carroll. Many called for the BBC to apologise, with one tweeting: 'Did I just hear what I thought I heard on #TheOneShow from Brendan O'Carroll... blatant racism on a prime time @BBCOne show.'
O'Carroll, however, remains unapologetic. 'It's easy to understand that some people do get offended by things,' he said. 'But that is why there is a remote control for the TV. Personally, I feel if you are not offending somebody we are not doing our job.' He also joked that he feels 'left out' about not being 'cancelled' yet.
The pair were on The One Show to promote their new Netflix comedy A Madea Homecoming. O'Carroll's representative declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.
