Comedian Jo Brand has apologised after facing a backlash over a joke she made about throwing battery acid on politicians.
Earlier this week, Brand appeared on the BBC Radio 4 show Heresy, remarking on air: “Well, yes I would say that but I think that’s because certain unpleasant characters are being thrown to the fore and they’re very, very easy to hate and I’m kind of thinking: ‘Why bother with a milkshake when you could get some battery acid?’”
The joke drew laughter on the show but Brand quickly added: “That’s just me. Sorry, I’m not gonna do it, it’s purely a fantasy, but I think milkshakes are pathetic, I honestly do. Sorry.”
Brand quickly drew criticism for her comments, including from politician Nigel Farage, who had a milkshake thrown at him during an appearance in Newcastle earlier this year.
At an event in Henley, Oxfordshire, the Bake Off: Extra Slice host apologised for what she referred to as her “crass and ill-judged” joke, but drew the line at calling it a “mistake”, noting that she never referred to Farage or any other politician by name.
“Looking back it probably was somewhat a crass and ill-judged joke that might upset people. Of course I’d never do anything like that. It was purely a fantasy. I’m sorry. I’m a human, I make mistakes,” she said, according to The Sun.
She added: “I don’t think it’s a mistake. If you think it is I’m happy to accept that.”
The day after Brand’s comments, it was reported the incident was being “assessed” by police, following an allegation of incitement to violence.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “Police have received an allegation of incitement to violence that was reported to the MPS on 13 June.
“The allegation relates to comments made on a radio programme. The allegation is currently being assessed.
“There have been no arrests and inquiries are ongoing.”
The Press Association has claimed that this complaint was not made by Nigel Farage, or the Brexit Party, which he is the leader of.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “Heresy is a long-running comedy programme where, as the title implies and as our listeners know, panellists often say things which are deliberately provocative and go against societal norms but are not intended to be taken seriously.”
