Trevor McDonald slams Mrs Brown’s Boys ‘offensive and insulting’ racism scandal

Sir Trevor McDonald has slammed Brendan O’Carroll’s racial joke amid the scandal engulfing Mrs Brown’s boys.

It was reported today that a black crew member working on the BBC show had quit, after the ‘clumsy’ joke was revealed as the 69-year-old actor ‘implied’ the N-word during the essays

He later apologized to the BBC who temporarily halted rehearsals to investigate the incident.

Legendary broadcaster Sir Trevor has now spoken out, calling the incident “crude, offensive and insulting”.

The 85-year-old, who was ITN’s first black journalist, said: “I find it crude, offensive and insulting in every way. It couldn’t have been said without a desire to really hurt and insult. Not even it’s fun

He also said an insult was “always” on the receiving end, adding to MailOnline about what action the BBC should take: “I would probably have very harsh words for the person who said that.

“And he said that the society and the community we live in consider this kind of thing unnecessarily crude and offensive.”

However, Sir Trevor said he would not go so far as to say the production should be cancelled.

The incident took place ahead of the Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special, and rehearsals have since resumed in Glasgow at the station’s Pacific Quay studios in Scotland, with shows now going ahead as they were expected

It has also been claimed that the BBC has issued the comedian with final notice and a black crew member has quit, according to The Mirror.

A source said: “How come they’re not on the show anymore… but Brendan is.” Everything is messed up.

A BBC insider also told Metro.co.uk: “The BBC takes the matter very seriously and Brendan also takes the matter very seriously.

“Brendan is under no illusions about this. We have made it clear what the consequences of any future problems would be.”

Performing arts and entertainment union Equity also told the publication that “no working person should be subjected to racism when doing their job”.

“Employers and employees must realize their obligations and create safe and anti-racist workplaces,” they added.

Mrs Brown’s Boys creator and star O’Carroll will return to her role as mischievous matriarch Agnes Brown in the Christmas and New Year’s Day specials.

According to previous reports, the actor “implied” the N-word during rehearsals, allegedly saying: “I don’t call a shovel, a shovel, a shovel…”.

According to The Daily Mail, O’Carroll allegedly made the comment during a script reading, while in character as Agnes, and is accused of starting to utter the N-word before a colleague stopped her.

His spokesperson told the publication: “We would also like to clarify that the ‘n’ word was not uttered at all, but was implied.

“Agnes (Mrs Brown) began the speech, but her daughter Cathy prevented her from finishing, as she knew she would.”

It comes after O’Carroll issued an apology before the joke was revealed, saying in a statement: “At a reading of the Christmas specials of Mrs Brown’s Boys, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes where a racial term was implied.

“It was counterproductive and caused offence, which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.”

A BBC spokesman also said: “While we do not comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism and we have robust processes in place should issues arise.”

A source had also shared with The Mirror: “All production of the Christmas special was halted while the investigation was carried out.

“The entire cast and crew pulled out following the comment while the BBC tried to get to the bottom of it.”

Last year, Mrs Brown’s Boys returned for a four-part series.

Despite being a regular feature of Christmas schedules for more than a decade, the episodes marked the first miniseries to run since 2013.

Mrs Brown’s Boys, which took home a trophy at the 2024 National Television Awards, divides TV fans but still attracts up to five million viewers per episode.

Due to its popularity, the BBC has given the green light for a fifth series, which is set to begin production in 2025, and has confirmed additional Christmas specials.

O’Carroll announced last month: “We’re going to film another series in April and May (2025). It’s lovely that he’s being asked to do another one.

The upcoming Christmas special will mark the show’s 50th episode.

News of the latest investigation follows a series of scandals at the BBC.

Earlier this year, a months-long internal investigation began following a series of complaints of misconduct by Strictly Come Dancing professionals.

Amanda Abbington, 50, accused Giovanni Pernice, 34, of harassing her in the rehearsal room, leading to her exit from the show.

Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh also complained about their training methods.

Meanwhile, Graziano Di Prima, 30, was alleged to have kicked Love Island’s Zara McDermott, 27, with hours of revised footage as a result.

Both Italian dancers denied the allegations made, with Di Prima claiming he is “not an abusive man” and apologizing for the actions that led to his departure, while Pernice has since joined the Italian version of Strictly as a pro.

Following the conclusion of the lengthy internal investigation just weeks ago, the BBC confirmed several allegations against Pernice, but cleared him of the more serious “physical assault” allegations.

Elsewhere, the BBC also came under fire last year when former newsreader Huw Edwards admitted to possessing indecent images of children.

Sentencing him last month, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Edwards his “reputation is now in tatters” and described his crimes as “extremely serious offences”.

The disgraced broadcaster, which reported on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.

As a result of the series of controversies, the BBC has vowed to “crack down” on abuses of power.

BBC chairman Samir Shah said: “I cannot stress enough that I am fully committed to tackling inappropriate or abusive behaviour.

“For most of us, it’s a joy to work for the BBC, and that should be the case for everyone.

“No one who works at the BBC should ever feel fear or worry while working here.

“What I am clear about is that we need to ensure that the BBC is a safe, secure and welcoming place to work for everyone.”

The BBC investigation strives to “ensure that the consequences of inappropriate behavior and abuse of power are understood by all”.

Metro.co.uk has approached the BBC for comment.

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