'It was wrong': Little Britain's David Walliams and Matt Lucas apologise for their use of blackface after backlash... amid claims their new Netflix series has been 'AXED'
- David and Matt have apologised for Little Britain's portrayal of blackface in a joint statement
- The pair reiterated that it's something they have apologised for in the past
- Earlier this week it was revealed that Little Britain was removed from streaming services including Netflix and Britbox
- It came following concerns its use of blackface was no longer acceptable in wake of the Black Lives Matter Movement
- Little Britain joins many shows including Gavin and Stacey and The Mighty Boosh facing calls to be removed from viewing
- The show's creators David and Matt said in 2017 they would 'definitely do [the show] differently' in today's cultural landscape
- Lucas said it was 'lazy' for white people to 'get a laugh just by playing black characters'
Little Britain stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas have apologised for their use of blackface after the series was removed from streaming services.
In a joint statement the pair insisted it was 'wrong' to portray characters of other races, but reiterated it's something they have apologised for in the past.
Earlier this week, Little Britain was removed from streaming services including Netflix and Britbox following concerns its use of blackface was no longer acceptable in wake of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
We're sorry! Little Britain stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas have once again apologised for their use of blackface after the series was removed from streaming (pictured 2019)
Apologising: In a joint statement the pair insisted it was 'wrong' to portray characters of other races, but reiterated it's something they have apologised for in the past
In the statement posted to Twitter, David wrote: 'Matt & I have both spoken publicly in recent years of our regret that we played characters of other races. Once again we want to make it clear that it was wrong & we are very sorry.'
Matt went onto share the same statement with fans, after Little Britain was removed from several streaming services earlier this week.
It comes amid claims Netflix are no longer in talks with Matt and David about reviving Little Britain, as bosses were concerned about backlash given the show's current controversies.
Gone: Little Britain was removed from streaming services including Netflix and Britbox following concerns its use of blackface was no longer acceptable
A source told The Daily Star: 'Netflix bosses were really keen to make a new series of Little Britain. The plan was to give Matt and David even more license to be controversial.
'In the current climate, Netflix can't be seen to be championing offensive comedy.
'The chances of any revival at this stage are slim-to-none.'
MailOnline has contacted representatives for David Walliams, Matt Lucas and Netflix for further comment.
In an apparent reaction to the Black Lives Matter protests, Netflix pulled Little Britain on Friday June 5, along with Matt and David's other comedy Come Fly With Me.
On Monday the BBC and BritBox both confirmed they had also decided to remove Little Britain saying 'times have changed' since the show first aired.
The shows include scenes where the comedians portray characters from different ethnic backgrounds with the use of make-up.
Anymore? The decision comes as Netflix was earlier this year said to have been in discussions with Lucas and Walliams about making a new series of Little Britain
Similarly, Bo' Selecta, which impersonated black stars such as Craig David, Trisha Goddard and Michael Jackson has been removed from All 4 after creator Leigh Francis recently issued a tearful apology. It is, however, still available on Prime Video.
It suggests an uncertain future for other popular comedy series which feature similar techniques, though many are still available to watch on streaming sites.
In recent days The Mighty Boosh and The League Of Gentlemen were also removed from streaming services.
Fans have also called for the beloved comedy series Gavin and Stacey to be removed from BBC iPlayer.
Critics called for the popular show, written by James Corden and Ruth Jones, to be pulled in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, but BBC have confirmed they are no plans for the series to be pulled.
Stereotypes: Lucas played coffee shop worker Precious Little in Come Fly With Me
The main bone of contention stems from characters described in the show as 'Chinese Alan' and 'Seth, the black fella'.
Matt previously said if he could go back and remake the previous series of Little Britain he would not play black characters.
In 2017 he told Big Issue: 'If I could go back and do Little Britain again, I wouldn't make those jokes about transvestites. I wouldn't play black characters.
'Basically, I wouldn't make that show now. It would upset people. We made a more cruel kind of comedy than I'd do now.'
Debate: He also played airport worker Taaj in Come Fly With Me. Fans have since expressed unease about sketches which feature comedians wearing make up to portray different races
He added there had not been 'bad intent there' and they had simply been showing off about 'what a diverse bunch of people we could play.'
In the interview Lucas said it was 'lazy' for white people to 'get a laugh just by playing black characters'.
David also said that the show would definitely make a comeback but acknowledged he would change things.
He said: 'I would say there will definitely be some more Little Britain coming. I can't say when exactly but at the right time and place. It was fun coming back for radio because that's where we started.'
He added that he would 'definitely do it differently' in today's cultural landscape.
![Unacceptable: The show's creators David and Matt said in 2017 they would 'definitely do [the show] differently' in today's cultural landscape (pictured in 2010)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/06/13/21/29575274-8417999-image-a-64_1592079694348.jpg)
Unacceptable: The show's creators David and Matt said in 2017 they would 'definitely do [the show] differently' in today's cultural landscape (pictured in 2010)
The decision comes after Netflix were reportedly in discussions with Lucas and Walliams about making a new series of Little Britain for the streaming giant, in a lucrative deal.
Huge demonstrations, many organised by the Black Lives Matter Group, have helped spark renewed debate on racism in recent weeks.
The protests intensified after George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after white police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25 for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
Could the axe swing on more of Britain's favourite comedies?
League of Gentlemen
Papa Lazarou features in League of Gentlemen, which is still available to watch on Neflix and iPlayer
Steve Pemberton and Mark Gattis' BBC comedy features a character called Papa Lazarou - a blacked-up ringmaster who calls everybody Dave. He collects spouses by forcing his way into women's homes posing as a humble peg-seller, then talks gibberish at them until they hand over their wedding rings, at which point he says: 'You're my wife now!' League of Gentlemen is still available to watch on both Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Bo' Selecta
Leigh Francis said he was 'deeply sorry' for the way he impersonated stars such as Trisha Goddard
Comedian Leigh Francis tearfully apologised for impersonating black stars such as Craig David, Trisha Goddard and Michael Jackson on his programme. Talk show host Trisha said it 'emboldoned a lot of casual racism' while popstar David insists it ruined his life. Bo' Selecta is no longer on All 4 but remains on Prime Video.
The Simpsons
Apu has come under fire for perpetuating racial stereotypes
Hank Azaria announced earlier this year he will no longer voice Indian immigrant and Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on The Simpsons after 30 years. The South Asian character has come under fire for perpetuating racial stereotypes. The Simpsons is broadcast regularly on Channel 4 and can be streamed on Disney+.
Ruddy Hell! It's Harry and Paul
Nelson Mandela was parodied in Harry and Paul's sketch show
Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse faced criticism in their sketch series for their depiction of Nelson Mandela appearing on adverts selling various narcotics and promoting shoplifting.
Rising Damp
The character of Rupert Rigsby has also been criticised, but creator Eric Chappell defended him by saying he 'was not a racist or a bigot, but he was prejudiced and suspicious of strangers'. There were also jokes about Leonard Rossiter's character having a black medical student as a tenant. Rising Damp is still available to watch via Prime and ITV Hub.
Facejacker
The prank call show often featured accents
Channel 4's show about prank calling often featured accents from ethnic minorities. Star Kayvan Novak previously said: 'There's a weird thing going on at the moment where the more extreme politics and people's opinions get, the more it seems that comedy on TV is all about playing safe and not offending anyone, when it needs to hold up a mirror and go 'this is what's going on now'.'
Only Fools and Horses
Even perhaps Britain's most beloved sitcom of all time has had to edit old episodes to remove politically incorrect dialogue, such as an episode where Del told a child to 'pop down to the P**i shop' - a line no longer broadcast in repeats.
The Two Ronnies
Another one of the nation's all-time favourites. Many have felt uncomfortable about a sketch titled 'The Sheikh in the Grocery Store', which features Ronnie Corbett wearing dark makeup and an Arabic keffiyeh, mispronouncing the names of items on his shopping list. The Archway School in Gloucestershire had to apologise for showing the clip to parents after complaints were made.
Fantasy Football League
David Baddiel as Jason Lee
Ex-Nottingham Forest star Jason Lee, who was often a target of ridicule on the 90s show, said David Baddiel's depiction of him was 'a form of bullying'.
The Mighty Boosh
Noel Fielding as 'The Spirit of Jazz'
Noel Fielding portrays 'The Spirit of Jazz' - a black, dreadlocked character in the BBC series, sparking much discussion over racism. Fielding has also been in hot water after a picture emerged of him painted black while dressed as tennis star Bjorn Borg.
