The Brit Awards 2026 has sparked controversy after receiving 148 complaints to Ofcom, the UK broadcasting regulator, over extensive censorship during the live broadcast on ITV1. The ceremony, held at Manchester's Co-Op Arena on March 1, saw numerous moments silenced with static noise, frustrating viewers.
Ofcom confirmed that the majority of complaints related to edited acceptance speeches and jokes by host Jack Whitehall. The comedian, known for his provocative style, had several segments muted, including a remark about politicians at the event. He was censored after saying: 'So many politicians! I thought I saw Peter Mandelson on the list. Oh no sorry, that was another list, my bad.'
Other silenced moments included a comment by I'm a Celebrity winner Angry Ginge, real name Morgan Burthwistle, who said he was glad the Brits were in Manchester and 'people are realising that London is a s**thole'. Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez also had parts of their discussion about their drug-fuelled past edited out.
Rock legend Noel Gallagher was censored towards the end of his on-stage appearance as he received the Songwriter of the Year award for his 35-year career with Oasis. The broadcast, which aired with a brief delay, prompted viewer backlash over what they perceived as excessive censorship.
