Comedian Harry Enfield has provoked ire from Radio 4 listeners by using the word "c**n"during a discussion about racism and blackface.
Broadcasters are reviewing historical content to determine whether it is appropriate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement - a process that has already seen shows such as Little Britain and films including Gone With The Wind removed from on-demand services.
Enfield blacked up on multiple occasions for The Harry Enfield Show and while admitting that he would no longer do so, he told host Nick Robinson that he has no regrets over doing so at the time.
"Obviously, Al Jolson or GH Elliott who played the Chocolate Coloured C**n, in the thirties, they perpetuated the myth of the happy negro, who was very happy to sing under the crack of the whip. Obviously that's deeply offensive," he said, before defending his repetition of the word, adding: "Well, that was his name on stage."
Enfield went on to recall the time he blacked up for a sketch in which he parodied his "hero" Nelson Mandela.
"At the time, there was a lot of things in the paper about drugs, so I made him a drug dealer, or a peddler of alcopops to children and things like that, which I thought was so wrong it was alright," he said. "I wouldn't do it now, but I don't think I regret it."
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
