News: Jokes About Queen's Sex Life A "Serious Breach"

The BBC Trust has ruled that the episode of R4 comedy Don't Make Me Laugh broadcast on the day of the Queen's ninetieth birthday that included jokes about her sex life was in "serious breach" of editorial guidelines. 

There were over 100 complaints after the episode, presented by David Baddiel, was broadcast at 6.30pm on April 21. The broadcaster apologised and removed the programme from iPlayer.

Panellists including comedian Russell Kane made jokes about the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh having sex that the BBC Trust ruled were "personal, intrusive and demeaning". The Mail ran an article at the time under the headline: "Why did Radio 4 put out this vile prime-time show on Her Majesty's birthday?"

The Trust stated "the offence felt was compounded by the date of the programme's transmission", going on to say it was "hard to imagine circumstances in which this broadcast at any time or on any day would not have given rise to significant unjustified offence."

A BBC spokesman said: "We never intended for the scheduling of the programme to coincide with The Queen's birthday and are sorry for the offence caused by its timing and content."

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