RTE's Joe Duffy defends 'genius' Brendan O'Carroll - saying Mrs Brown's Boys star isn't 'a racist'
Brendan found himself in hot water with the BBC after the broadcaster had to pause rehearsals of the upcoming Christmas special to investigate a “racial term” that was implied.
by Sandra MallonShowbiz Editor · RSVP LiveRTE star Joe Duffy has declared Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll “hasn’t a racist bone in his body” as he came out in defence of the star for making a "clumsy" racist remark.
Brendan found himself in hot water with the BBC after the broadcaster had to pause rehearsals of the upcoming Christmas special to investigate a “racial term” that was implied.
The 69 year-old funnyman has since apologised for the remark – and Joe Duffy has now defended the star after the incident hit headlines, reports The Mirror.
Read more: Rory Cowan stands by leaving Mrs. Brown's Boys and says there was no row with Brendan O'Carroll
Joe told his Liveline listeners on his RTE Radio 1 show: “I’ve known Brendan O’Carroll for 30 years. I have been everywhere with him, not just Christmas Eve, not just this studio, not just on the Late Late Show, not just out in Florida with him when he was performing.
“There isn’t a racist bone in Brendan O’Carroll’s body. I’m telling you that straight and I know that sounds like a really patronising thing to say.
“His main thing is to write comedy, and he does it, he produces, he directs - he has an enormous hands-on role in rehearsals. He’s trying to come up with new angles, new gags and that’s why he is so successful.
“But I suspect he has so many enemies in here and the UK that they would jump on this.”
Retelling the incident, Ballyfermot native Joe said: “He is recording in Glasgow the Christmas editions. Always number one at Christmas in Ireland and way up there in the top 10 in the UK.
“They were rehearsing last week and I’ve actually appeared in a couple of episodes. The rehearsal takes place in an old parish hall miles away from the BBC Glasgow studio, which are magnificent.
“And you go through.. there is a lot of banter but it is a pretty serious rehearsal.
“All the crew… and the crew from Mrs Brown’s Boys from the floor managers, directors to lighting – they all come up from London to record Mrs Brown’s Boys and they are top notch BBC.
“And by the way, they all love Brendan O’Carroll, he’s brilliant with them.
“And this.. apparently Brendan made a clumsy and nobody will dilute this, especially Brendan, he made a clumsy attempt at a joke where a racial term was implied in a read through at rehearsal.
“It backfired, it caused offence, and Brendan says, ‘I deeply regret for which I have apologised.”
Joe took aim at people in the media who “do not support Brendan” and “sneer” at the star.
“And the BBC, now remember not everyone supports Brendan O’Carroll and don’t think it’s funny, like a lot of the Irish media sneer at Brendan O’Carroll so they are going to jump on this.
He reminded listeners that he won Best Comedy at NTA for the sixth year in a row earlier this year, while Joe also took a swipe at the IFTA’s for not recognising Brendan for Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie.
“Anyway, Brendan O’Carroll is a genius and one of the good guys,” added Joe.
We also contacted his former co-star Rory Cowan on Tuesday, who said he had “no comment to make” about his former boss' “clumsy” remark, adding: “I haven’t worked with Brendan in years.”
The incident happened when Brendan made the unacceptable remark during a read-through of the Christmas special with the cast and crew last Wednesday, causing the BBC to launch an immediate probe and halt rehearsals for the show.
The implied slur left those in attendance stunned and was quickly reported to the BBC, who took swift action.
Speaking to the Mirror, Brendan explained: "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."
The BBC stated: "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."
The commencement of Monday's rehearsals at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay studios was put on hold until the investigation wrapped up. Following Brendan's apology, the show's preparations are now back on track.
The BBC is facing yet another challenge as it grapples with fresh scandal, this time involving a probe that's emerged amidst a string of controversies. The broadcaster was already reeling from the Strictly Come Dancing bullying accusations levelled at Giovanni Pernice for his alleged treatment of Amanda Abbington and the Huw Edwards scandal.
Despite these issues, Mrs Brown's Boys continues to soar in popularity, consistently drawing up to five million viewers per episode and recently snagging the Best Comedy title at the National Television Awards. The Beeb has shown confidence in the show by commissioning a fifth series set to start production in 2025, along with additional Christmas specials.
Brendan O'Carroll, the brains behind the hit series, confirmed last month: "We are going to film another series in April and May [2025]. It's lovely to be asked to do another one."
The upcoming Christmas special is poised to be the show's landmark 50th episode. Jon Petrie, the BBC's head of comedy, praised the show last month, saying: "Brendan has created an iconic comedy character in Agnes Brown. Mrs. Brown's Boys is a BAFTA-winning comedy show and one of the BBC's most-watched comedies ever... I'm proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable."
In addition to this success, O'Carroll revealed plans for a new BBC project titled Shedites, featuring comedian Tommy Cannon in a prominent role.
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