Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway hasn’t received Ofcom complaints for its use of offensive Japanese insignia on last weekend’s episode.
ITV issued an apology today on behalf of the Takeaway team after Twitter called out the use of the Rising Sun flag in a sketch feature Ant and Dec in Karate Kid style costumes behind Anne Marie, who was performing.
Many drew attention to the fact that the boys’ headbands featured the Rising Sun flag, which is seen as a symbol of the Japan’s colonialist past and the slaughter of millions of people in Asia.
While it is still used commonly as a sign of support for Japan at sporting events, it’s considered offensive for many in East Asia, such as South Korea.
For context, the iconography is seen as similar in offence to the Nazi Swastika and its association with World War II.
Despite an apology being issued from ITV and singer Anne-Marie over the moment, with the show being edited on catch up to remove the iconography, it seems viewers, beyond Twitter, decided not to complain further.
In fact, the entire episode only received three complaints in total: Two for the prank pulled by Anthony Joshua, and a third for a cake being dropped on the floor.
Yup. That’s an actual thing someone complained about.
But that still didn’t stop Anne Marie making a heartfelt apology over the error, vowing to make it right as quickly and as best as possible.
‘I sincerely apologise to all those who were affected and hurt by my appearance last night on a UK TV [show]. ‘I want you to know that i had nothing to do with the costumes on this sketch,’ she wrote.
‘Unfortunately education on this part of the history wasn’t done and I am also hurt by the pain this signifies for so many people.’
‘I am truly sorry and I promise you that this will not happen again, ‘ Anne-Marie added. ‘Our team is talking to the TV station, working on taking down the footage so that it does not cause any more pain [sic].’
This comes in comparison to a much higher number of complaints over the Pussycat Dolls appearance last week – with viewers taking issue with their dance moves and outfits.
Ant and Dec are yet to respond.
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway continues Saturday at 7.10pm on ITV.
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