celebrity news

Jo Brand’s remark about throwing battery acid at politicians being investigated by police



Jo Brand is being investigated by police over a remark she made about throwing battery acid at politicians.

The Met Police said it was assessing the comment, made on BBC Radio 4 show Heresy on Tuesday night, after receiving an allegation of incitement to violence.

The force said in a statement: “Police have received an allegation of incitement to violence that was reported to the MPS on June 13.

“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.”

Jo Brand’s remark is being investigated by police (Matt Sprake / SplashNews.com)

In a tweet on Wednesday, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage accused Brand of inciting violence, although he did not say who against.

He wrote: “This is incitement of violence and the police need to act.

Last month, Mr Farage was showered with milkshake during a campaign walkabout in Newcastle city centre.

It is understood that the allegation reported to the police was not made by him or the Brexit Party.

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage is escorted to a car after having milkshake thrown over him (Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

Earlier today Sophie Hall, who was attacked with acid in a Hackney night club by Arthur Collins, called for Brand to be arrested “so others will think twice and realise it isn’t a joking matter”.

“Something so serious needs to be treated seriously,” she told The Mirror.

On Thursday, Theresa May’s official spokesman said the BBC should explain why it broadcast her comments.

He said: “The Prime Minister has been repeatedly clear that politicians should be able to go about their work and campaign without harassment, intimidation or abuse.

“I note that Brendan Cox has said that violence and intimidation should not be normalised and we should consistently stand against it.

“The Prime Minister shares this view. It is for the BBC to explain why it considers this to have been appropriate content for broadcast.”

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said it has received 65 complaints about the episode of Heresy.

On Wednesday, the BBC defended airing Brand’s remark, but the corporation has not commented again.

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.”

In reply to a question about the state of UK politics, Brand had told the programme: “Well, yes, I would say that but 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?’

“That’s just me. I’m not going to do it, it’s purely a fantasy, but I think milkshakes are pathetic, I honestly do, sorry.”

At the end of show, Coren Mitchell said she hoped Brand’s remarks had not caused offence but added that the radio series had been set up to “test the boundaries of what it’s OK to say and not say”.

More follows…



READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.