Outrage at Frankie Boyle's offensive Madeleine McCann comment on Twitter
Comedian Frankie Boyle has provoked outrage by making a "deeply offensive" comment about Madeleine McCann on Twitter.
The Scottish comic and television star tweeted the joke yesterday and immediately came under fire from some of his 1.05 million followers.
-
Comedian Frankie Boyle has been under attack for making a "deeply offensive" comment about Madeleine McCann on Twitter
However, the missing Leicestershire youngster's parents, Kate and Gerry, of Rothley, were said to not want to dignify his comments by giving their views on the matter.
Their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said it was not the first time Boyle – who is on tour and is to release a DVD in November – had made remarks about their daughter.
SUNDAY OPEN BUFFET EAT AS MUCH AS U CAN £6.99PP & A LA CARTE...
Leicester's ONLY Lebanese Cuisine - Cedars Bar & Restaurant 46/48 Church Gate Leicester LE1 4AJ
View detailsCome & Try our Delicious Menu with an Amazing 15% off all Food Bills on a la carte menu only
Terms: Lebanese & Mediterenian Menu With An Amazing 15% Off Your Food Bills on a la carte menu only
Contact: 0116 2169184
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
Boyle made the comment about Madeleine, who went missing during a family holiday in Portugal in May 2007, after he had posted a series of tweets about the allegations of sexual abuse of children levelled against Sir Jimmy Savile in a television programme this week.
One of his Twitter followers responded: "Wow, that's pretty horrible even by your standards."
Another wrote: "This time he's really gone too far. Career-ending, I'd say – and not even a tiny bit funny."
However, one of the comedian's fans tweeted: "If you're thinking of unfollowing Frankie Boyle because he made a distasteful remark, why were you following him in the first place?"
MrMitchell said: "Frankie Boyle has made similarly deeply offensive comments about Madeleine in the past and the family will not dignify any of them by commenting."
On a previous occasion the comedian referred to Madeleine during a stage show in Liverpool – Mrs McCann's home town – reportedly leading a number of people to walk out of the theatre.
Leicester city councillor Patrick Kitterick, a former winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, said: "There is a place for edgy comedy but this comment isn't edgy and it isn't funny."
Tom Franklin, of Kibworth, saw the tweet soon after it appeared yesterday morning.
Mr Franklin said: "I support the principle of freedom of speech, but this remark went well beyond what is acceptable.
"This is the kind of comedy which scapegoats people who cannot speak for themselves, either because of their circumstances or because they don't have the economic muscle that the Frankie Boyles of this world have."
Madeleine went missing in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007, sparking a worldwide search that continues.
The Mercury contacted Boyle's representatives, Chambers Management, but nobody was available to comment.
Comments
by karinfall1955
Friday, October 05 2012, 7:57PM
“@MsRimmington.. I would suggest F Boyle Esquire was more offensive and 'challenged' rather than challenging. For someone who enjoys mocking the appearance of others I can only assume he does not possess a mirror. Not so much a half-wit as totally without wit.”
by WorriedLeics
Friday, October 05 2012, 3:29PM
“I agree with most others on here that if you don't want to read these types of comments then don't follow a comedian like FB.
I personally think that any subject is fair game and that some of the best jokes are very close to the line!”
by DonHenson
Friday, October 05 2012, 6:07AM
“Interesting but not unexpected that some have used this story to vent against the parents.
Clearly losing their child wasn't sufficient punishment for some who clearly have led totally blameless lives.
As for Frankie, not interested. He doesn't "push the boundaries" and he isn't "edgy". He just has a sh*t sense of what is or isn't funny.”
by MsRimmington
Thursday, October 04 2012, 10:11PM
“When you buy a ticket for a Frankie Boyle show you know the kind of thing you will be seeing and hearing. If it is not offensive and challenging then I would certainly be wanting my money back. When you decide to follow Frankie on Twitter you know the kind of thing that is gonna be sliding down your Armitrage Shanks computer monitor screen.
I know these people who went on a visit to the countryside and found it to be all messy, muddy and full of smelly cattle and dirty sheep who used the fields as a toilet. They felt something should be done about it.”
by PLYMFOX01
Thursday, October 04 2012, 10:34AM
“MacMonkey, everyone is entitled to their opinion. All I said was he sounds like an idiot. What is the problem with that? It wouldnt do for all of us to like the same thing now would it?”
by dobranich
Thursday, October 04 2012, 9:57AM
“Not funny but neither is leaving a child unprotected in an unsafe environment and being too stingy to hire the baby watch service. Boyle is a disgrace. SO ARE THE PARENTS”
by ttwfour
Thursday, October 04 2012, 8:13AM
“So Madeleine McCann is in heaven. Funny that. I always thought she was dead. Yeah - way too dignified.”
by Jones Farm
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 12:06PM
“Whats what?”
by arthurW1001
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 11:38AM
“What?”
by Praetorian66
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 8:40AM
“Its ironic that the 'masses' seem so offended by FB's jokes and humour. You can only wonder how he amassed 1.05 million followers or such wealth.
Seems to me, these people are happy to laugh when Frankie Boyle offends others, but cant take it when his comments are direct towards them and their morals??
BIGOTRY springs to mind.
And personally, I find Madeline McCann's parents actions whilst on holiday to be the joke, leading to the unknown fate of a sweet and innocent young child.”