MP brands him 'sick'

Government Minister Shahid Malik called the comic ‘sick and insensitive’ for his comments backstage at the British Comedy Awards on Saturday.

After being named best comedy entertainment personality, Carr said: ‘I should dedicate this award to her [Matthews]. I'm obsessed with her - I think she's a gay icon. Why? Well, people like a bit of rough don't they? I would love to work with her.’

Mr Malik, a junior Justice Minister, who is also MP for Matthews' constituency of Dewsbury, said: ‘I think Alan Carr can be funny on occasion but I think last night he really let himself down.

‘I think most people think it to be both sick and insensitive and people will be disgusted with him at a time when many people are looking very closely at the comic/comedian profession anyway.

‘This isn't a helpful contribution either to the sad case of Shannon Matthews

Carr later said: ‘I realise what I said was insensitive and I am very sorry for any offence caused.'

In a statment on his website, he added: 'I was taking the piss but if you've seen me before you'll know that already. '

Matthews and accomplice Michael Donovan, from Batley Carr, were convicted last week of the kidnap of her nine-year-old daughter, Shannon, in a bid to claim £50,000 in reward money.

Published: 7 Dec 2008