Jo Brand in trouble over Streatham joke

Jo Brand has landed herself in hot water after calling Streatham a ‘shithole’

The comedian was accused of doing ‘serious damage’ to the reputation of the south London suburb with her offhand comment on Have I Got News For You on Friday.

Streatham Town Centre manager Angelina Purcell took indignant offence at the joke, which she claimed made her and the 60,000 local residents angry.

In an open letter to Brand, the council worker said: ‘You clearly do not understand the serious damage your flippant comment has had on our collective efforts to transform Streatham's image

‘For us, you've let yourself down badly Jo and I hope you'll think twice about doing something like this again.’

Brand – who was born in nearby Wandsworth – made the remark after panellist Humphrey Ker commented that columns of marching North Korean troops would liven up Streatham High Road.

Show host Brand replied: ‘They could do with that in Streatham. “Do you live in Streatham? Don’t even pass through there. It’s a shithole.”’

Her spokeswoman said: ‘When Jo is on tour she says this about every place she goes to and she has never had any complaints yet. Most people have a sense of humour about where they live.

‘It was just a throwaway remark which is no way was supposed to have any serious intent behind it. We sincerely apologise for any offence that may have been caused.’

Local councillors were quick to make capital out of the comment, with Judy Best calling it ‘utterly disgusting’ Jeremy Clyne saying: ‘This “joke” was so old hat it wasn't funny. Jo should come and apologise by doing a free gig at one of our fantastic comedy clubs.’

The Chairman of Streatham Conservatives, Ben Everitt, also hit back, mainly by making political points about ‘Labour supporting’ Brand and her ‘loony left’ friends.

Unfortunately for the council, local residents seem to agree with Brand. A poll on the Streatham Guardian website asking: ‘Is Streatham a dump?’ in the wake of her joke, is currently recording a 58 per cent majority saying yes.

n September 2002, Streatham High Road was voted the Worst Street in Britain – although the dubious accolade then prompted some major redevelopment work.

Published: 25 Apr 2012