Comedian's Expletive-Ridden Monologue Causes Stir
Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan has found herself at the centre of a broadcasting storm after repeatedly using the C-word while hosting the popular BBC panel show Have I Got News For You. The pre-recorded episode, which aired on Friday, featured multiple uses of the strong expletive during a segment discussing Sir David Beckham's recent knighthood.
The controversy began when Ryan, 42, referenced leaked emails sent by Beckham to his publicist in 2013, in which the football legend notoriously referred to the honours committee as 'a bunch of c**ts' after missing out on a knighthood. The segment took an even more explicit turn when panellist Masie Adam suggested it "would have been nice, and maybe poetic if Charles had got his own back knighting him and going, 'Arise you c**t.'"
Viewer Outrage and BBC Standards Questioned
The jokes prompted immediate backlash from viewers, with many taking to social media to express their anger at the BBC's decision to broadcast the strong language without censorship. One frustrated viewer wrote: "Unacceptable broadcasting of the 'C' word. This is a recorded programme, so who at the BBC felt it was ok not to cut or bleep it out? Really disappointing."
Another called for Ryan to be suspended, while a third commented on the jarring nature of hearing such language on the long-running panel show. The incident has created additional problems for the BBC, which is currently facing a leadership crisis following the resignations of Director-General Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness over the controversial editing of a speech by former US President Donald Trump.
Ryan's Unapologetic Response
Despite the mounting criticism, Katherine Ryan appeared to see the funny side of the controversy. On Monday morning, she shared an article about the presenting row with her Instagram followers, captioning it: "And that was just my intro! Catch up on this week's @haveigotnews @bbciplayer."
During the show itself, Ryan had shown surprise at the studio audience's reaction to her joke about Victoria Beckham, remarking: "I like her really ... I didn't expect that reaction." The Canadian star also revealed to panellist Ian Hislop that she had given birth just two and a half weeks before recording the episode.
Ryan is mother to four children: son Fred, three, and daughter Fenna, two, with husband Bobby Koostra, and 15-year-old Violet from a previous relationship. In a recent appearance on Davina McCall's podcast recorded while heavily pregnant, she discussed being branded "privileged" for her parenting advice, particularly regarding early potty training methods.
