Jo Brand has pulled out of an upcoming charity performance, after causing controversy with a joke about throwing “battery acid” at politicians.
The comedian made an appearance on the BBC Radio 4 show Heresy earlier this week, but wound up facing a huge backlash when she joked that throwing milkshakes at politicians was “pathetic”, remarking: “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’s comments quickly sparked criticism, including some from Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, and a rep for the Alzheimer’s Society has now 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”.
The day after her radio appearance, 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 reported 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.
“We carefully considered the programme before broadcast. It was never intended to encourage or condone violence, and it does not do so, but we have noted the strong reaction to it. Comedy will always push boundaries and will continue to do so, but on this occasion we have decided to edit the programme. We regret any offence we have caused.”