Simon Brodkin makes joke about starting the Covid pandemic
This year’s Royal Variety Performance has been hit with a slew of Ofcom complaints after one of the acts made a “sick” joke about Covid. Comedian Simon Brodkin caused outrage with a joke implying that he was responsible for Coronavirus. In total the show, which was watched by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, received a total of 65 complaints to the broadcasting regulator, with 54 of them aimed at Simon.
Before he came on stage host host Bradley Walsh gave ITV viewers an insight into some of the pranks the comedian has done in the past. Some of these included giving Theresa May a P45 and throwing money over FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Walking out onto the stage, Simon said: “Thank you, it is great to be here. I am the guy who’s done all the stunts. People always want to know whether my stunts ever go wrong. Occasionally, in late 2019 I broke into this laboratory in Wuhan…sorry.”
As he paused, the audience let out an awkward laughter and the comedian did apologise for the joke. However people still made a formal complaint about his routine.
Express.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.
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When the show was broadcast on Sunday nght viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, in their droves to complain about the gag.
@ilovewhitewine said: “Did that Simon guy really just make a really poor “joke” about Wuhan/Covid? WTF.” (sic) Replying, @Johnboy710Fble added: “Yes he did. I’m surprised that he didn’t get booed off the stage.” (sic)
Echoing their thoughts, @ladyjanesailor replied: “Yes he did. Pathetic. Not funny. None of it is funny…or watchable.” @xXemmie10Xx fumed: “Vile joke.”
@blue_laur11 fumed: “Was Simon Bodkin making a joke about COVID?? The joke about him breaking into a laboratory if So that’s not funny that’s sick !! #RoyalVarietyPerformance.” (sic)
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However, @Spinkzilla defended the comedian as they commented: “Lee Nelson absolutely nailed the Wuhan joke!”
The show’s host Bradley Walsh also caused controvesy when he begged Prince William for a knighthood.
“Your Royal Highness, I worked for your gran, your great gran, your dad, your grandad, your great grandad, and now you. And I must say – ask me if I’ve got an MBE. Nah, ain’t got one. Ask me if I’ve got an OBE – nah, ain’t got one of them. Ask me if I’ve got a CBE – no!,” he exclaimed. “Guess who they give them to? People on telly who bake cakes,” he quipped.
During the night, fans got to see an array of various acts take to the stage including performances from McFly, Hannah Waddingham and Tom Allen.
The Royal Variety Performance 2023 is available to watch on ITVX.
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