David Walliams' Cancelled Joke Leaves Lorraine Kelly Uncomfortable

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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The Controversial Joke Itself

While the exact wording of the joke remains undisclosed to avoid further offense, reports indicate it was of a nature considered by many to be sexist and inappropriate for a daytime television audience. The joke targeted a specific group, focusing on a stereotype often used to generate humor at the expense of that group's perceived characteristics.

• Specific nature: Sources describe the joke as relying on outdated and offensive gender stereotypes.
• Target of the joke: The joke targeted women, relying on harmful generalizations.
• Reasons for inappropriateness: The joke's reliance on sexist stereotypes and its potential to cause offense made it unsuitable for the family-friendly format of Lorraine.
• Evidence of negative reaction: Immediate social media reactions following the broadcast showed widespread disapproval, with many viewers expressing their discomfort and calling for accountability. Several tweets used hashtags like #DavidWalliams, #Lorraine, and #CancelledJoke to express their outrage.

Lorraine Kelly's Reaction and Body Language

Lorraine Kelly's visible discomfort was immediately apparent to viewers. Her reaction spoke volumes, even without explicit verbal condemnation.

• Facial expressions: Kelly displayed a clear look of shock and disapproval, subtly shifting her expression to one of awkwardness.
• Verbal response: She offered no laugh or positive reinforcement, letting the silence speak volumes. Her subsequent attempts to move the conversation away from the joke were noticeable.
• Overall atmosphere: The segment's atmosphere shifted dramatically after the joke, marked by an uncomfortable silence and a noticeable change in energy.
• Body language: Kelly's body language conveyed her clear discomfort. Subtle cues, such as a slight flinch and a shift in posture, signaled her disapproval.

The Backlash and Public Response

The backlash against David Walliams' joke was swift and widespread. The incident quickly became a trending topic on social media platforms, drawing significant attention from news outlets.

• Social media sentiment: The overwhelming majority of comments on social media platforms condemned the joke as sexist and offensive.
• News articles and media coverage: Major news outlets covered the incident, further amplifying the controversy and sparking discussions about the changing norms of acceptable humor.
• Viewer complaints: Reports suggest that ITV received a considerable number of complaints from viewers regarding the inappropriate nature of the joke.
• Official statements: While neither ITV nor David Walliams released formal public statements addressing the controversy directly, the cancellation of the joke itself serves as a tacit acknowledgment of its inappropriateness.

The Cancellation and its Implications

The decision to cancel the joke highlights the evolving standards of acceptability in television broadcasting. The swift action demonstrates an increasing awareness of the impact of offensive humor.

• ITV's response: The removal of the joke from subsequent broadcasts indicates ITV's acknowledgement of its problematic nature and a willingness to address viewer concerns.
• Impact on David Walliams' career: While the long-term impact on Walliams' career is yet to be seen, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential professional repercussions of telling offensive jokes.
• Freedom of speech vs. offensive humor: The incident underscores the ongoing tension between freedom of speech and the responsibility to avoid causing harm or offense.
• Impact on future programming: This controversy might lead to increased scrutiny of jokes used in future TV programming, potentially leading to stricter pre-broadcast checks and a greater emphasis on inclusivity.

Conclusion

David Walliams' cancelled joke on Lorraine highlights the evolving standards of acceptable humor on television. Lorraine Kelly's visible discomfort, the public backlash, and ITV's decision to remove the segment underscore the immediate consequences of offensive jokes. This incident serves as a critical lesson for comedians and broadcasters alike, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the potential impact of humor, and the ever-shifting line between freedom of expression and responsible comedy. What are the lasting effects of this "David Walliams' cancelled joke"? What does this incident teach us about the limits of humor on television? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Share your opinions on this David Walliams' cancelled joke and join the ongoing debate surrounding acceptable comedy.