Bo' Selecta! removed from All4 following backlash over blackface
Bo' Selecta has been removed from All4 following backlash over its use of blackface.
Leigh Francis, who is now best known for playing Keith Lemon, portrayed celebrities such as Mel B, Craig David, Michael Jackson and Trisha Goddard using rubber masks in the early 2000s series.
Until today, it was available to watch on Channel 4's catch-up platform, but searches for it no longer return results.
A statement from the broadcaster issued to Digital Spy reads: "We support Leigh in his decision to reflect on Bo' Selecta! in light of recent events and we've agreed with him to remove the show from the All4 archive."
Francis himself spoke out last week about his use of blackface, and apologised for any offence he had caused.
"Back in 2002, I did a show called Bo' Selecta! and I portrayed many Black people. Back then, I didn't think anything about it. People didn't say anything... I'm not going to blame other people.
Related: Ellen DeGeneres vows to stop being "dancing lady" in order to "educate" following criticism
"I've been talking to some people and I didn't realise how offensive it was back then and I just want to apologise. I want to say sorry for any upset I caused whether I was Michael Jackson, Craig David or Trisha Goddard... all people who I am a big fan of. I guess we're all on a learning journey."
Elsewhere, David Walliams and Matt Lucas' Little Britain was recently removed from BBC iPlayer and Netflix (and Come Fly with Me was also dropped from the latter) following criticism of the show's use of blackface and stereotypical portrayals.
For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? Head over to our Facebook Group to see new picks every day, and chat with other readers about what they're watching right now.
You Might Also Like
