Complaint
Reflecting on recent incidents involving the throwing of milkshakes as a form of political protest, Jo Brand said “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”. 20 listeners complained that the joke was offensive and/or likely to incite violence.
Outcome
In view of Ms Brand’s immediate disavowal and the context of the programme’s wider message in favour of more civility in political discourse, the ECU did not consider the joke likely to incite violence, but accepted that, against the background of a significant problem with acid attacks, it was capable of causing offence beyond what was editorially justified, and should have been edited out before transmission.
Partly upheld
Further action
The adjudication has been discussed by Radio 4’s commissioning team and with the programme’s producers.