Brendan O’Carroll, the creative mind behind the acclaimed BBC comedy Mrs Brown’s Boys, has issued an apology for an offensive comment made during a read-through for the upcoming Christmas Special (per The Mirror).
The Irish actor, 69, who has portrayed Mrs Brown since 2011, known by the cast as ‘Mammy’ attempted to make a joke during the rehearsal, at which point a “racial term was implied.”
Those involved in the rehearsals were reportedly “shocked” by the comments made by the actor and reported the incident to the BBC. It is understood that production on the Christmas episode was temporarily suspended pending an internal investigation.
The inquiries have since concluded, and the production is underway again. O’Carroll has further released a statement to The Mirror.
“At a read-through of the Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied. It backfired and caused offence, which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.”
In a statement from a BBC spokesperson, they replied: “Whilst we don’t comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism, and we have robust processes in place should issues ever arise.”
Mrs Brown’s Boys was first commissioned in 2011, and a fourth series is reportedly in the works, despite no confirmation from the BBC. The sitcom picked up the Best Comedy Award at the National Television Awards 2024.