We thought the Garth Brooks drama had finally ended but it looks set to continue following an episode of Callan’s Kicks parodying the Country singer.
A disgruntled viewer has lodged a formal complaint with RTE over the musical sketch featuring Oliver Callan singing a faux country song and starring Holly Carpenter.
The viewer has taken issue with the TV stars usage of phrases like “Poor White Trash” and claims the term condones discrimination on the base of race.
Controversy: A viewer has lodged a formal complaint against the show
The complaint, lodged with the BAI, maintains the phrases are harmful and gives permission to other groups to use the apparently hurtful language.
RTE have responded to the complaint by pointing out that good comedy “is sometimes likely to be close to offensive.”
“Comedy programming where there are observations on everyday life will inevitably skirt close to giving offence,” they said.
“The sketch, produced around the time of the Garth Brooks controversy, tapped into that national feeling at the time and love for all things country.”
The broadcaster insisted that Callan’s Kicks is a humorous programme that makes fun of public figures and found that the phrase “white trash” is often used by country singers to self-deprecatingly refer to themselves.
