Police will take no action over comments made by comedian Jo Brand on a BBC radio programme about throwing battery acid at politicians, after considering an allegation of incitement to violence, Scotland Yard said.
The remarks sparked an outcry, with Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage among the critics, and the Met said on Thursday it was assessing them following an allegation of incitement to violence.
Speaking on Radio 4 panel show Heresy on Tuesday night, the comedian was asked if Brits are “absolutely united in feeling we are living through a terrible time” with the ongoing divisions around Brexit.
Brand replied: “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 response 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 milk shakes are pathetic, I honestly do. Sorry.”
Milkshaking became an overnight sensation earlier this year when a number of political figures including Farage and Tommy Robinson were drenched in the beverage while walking the streets of the UK.
Farage, who was hit with a milkshake in Newcastle last month, reacted furiously to Brand’s comments.
In a tweet, he said: “This is incitement of violence and the police need to act.”
A rep for the Alzheimer’s Society today confirmed that the stand-up star would no longer be appearing at an event in London this weekend.
Sinead Donoghue, the Alzheimer’s Society’s head of corporate partnerships, said: “Unfortunately in light of recent events, Jo’s schedule has now changed and she’s not able to attend the Buzz Bingo event, celebrating their contribution to Alzheimer’s Society.”
Shortly after her radio interview, Brand apologised for the joke, calling it “crass and ill-advised”.