But seriously

[iainjclark]

I'm not about to defend whatever bad taste prank Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross inflicted on Andrew Sachs, but really this whole thing is snowballing quite ridiculously. Apparently Ross has apologised and Sachs is happy with that, but the number of complaints by people outraged on his behalf is still going up -- about a radio show that aired nearly a fortnight ago, and which most people complaining have not even heard. Suddenly, eleven days later, there are calls for the two 'stars' to resign. Or even for the DG of the BBC to resign. And now we have Gordon Brown and David Cameron weighing in; no doubt in a desperate attempt from both to appear relevant and in touch with the common folk.

My mob-mentality sense is tingling. We're in one of those horrendous, self-righteous tabloid feedback loops where public opinion and media coverage escalate in lock-step. That's not to say I like Russell Brand or approve of making offensive phone calls, but seriously folks.

Comments

[edda.livejournal.com]

Is it just me, or is Russell Brand not nearly as funny overall as he clearly thinks he is, and basically gets by on his fey gender-bending schtick? His jokes seem incredibly obvious and hackneyed to me.

Eddie Izzard will be my high-heeled comedian of choice for the forseeable future, thanks.

*is rather self-righteous on own, come to think of it*

[iainjclark.livejournal.com]

I endorse your preference for Eddie Izzard. :-)

[veggiesu.livejournal.com]

As usual, I am in complete agreement with you.

[iainjclark.livejournal.com]

That's because we're rightheaded. :-P

The BBC has suspended the pair of them now. Ah well, it'll all blow over, and they were idiots for a) doing it and b) broadcasting it.

[veggiesu.livejournal.com]

Ah well, it'll all blow over

Uh huh...

they were idiots for a) doing it and b) broadcasting it

Oh yeah :-)

[williamjm.livejournal.com]

It does seem a bit odd to single out this particular incident so much, since comedians quite regularly say things of similar offensiveness and don't get vilified for it in the same way that Brand and Ross are here.

[iainjclark.livejournal.com]

I think it's because they said it directly to Sachs (via his voicemail). You're right that, in comparison to things said on Never Mind the Buzzcocks or Mock the Week, it's positively mild.