ITV axes comic's show amid controversies

ITV2 has axed Dapper Laughs’ show after a petition against his misogynist attitudes attracted 50,000 signatures.
The broadcaster blamed the comedian’s activities outside of his On The Pull series – and comes just hours after footage emerged of him telling a woman at his live show she was he was ‘gagging for a rape’.

In a statement, ITV said: ‘We have given careful thought to the recent criticism of the character Dapper Laughs, which has focused on his activities outside of the ITV2 programme. We have taken the decision that we will not be considering this show for a second series.’
The petition criticised he comedian, whose real name is Daniel O’Reilly, claiming he has ‘misogynistic views’ and that his programme was normalising ‘everyday sexism’.
ITV had previously defended O’Reilly saying that – on the show at least –  ‘Dapper’s pulling tips are firmly based on treating women with respect and speaking to them in the right way.’
It draws to an end a week of negative publicity for the star, including the public humiliation of having homeless charity Shelter announcing it would not accept any proceeds from his Christmas album, which he had said was releasing in aid of the homeless. He has not yet said which charity will receive the money.
In a statement published via Twitter over the weekend O’Reilly said: ‘’Some comedians push the boundaries in the name of entertainment. That means taking risks. But I think it’s important that if we over step the mark and cause upset that we apologise. I would like to say sorry to those people who I have upset by my recent comments. I assure them that was not my intention.’
But an open letter, signed by dozens of comedians hit back at his claims of 'pushing boundaries', and said they were taking a stance over misogyny dressed up as 'banter' or ‘laddism'.
The last episode of On The Pull aired last week.

Published: 11 Nov 2014