The BBC is under scrutiny after an episode of Have I Got News For You featured repeated use of a highly offensive term during a discussion about Sir David and Victoria Beckham. The controversial language, including the notorious “C word,” was used by host Katherine Ryan and panellist Maisie Adam while addressing Sir David Beckham’s recent investiture by King Charles.
During the Friday evening broadcast, Katherine Ryan, 42, referenced an alleged 2023 email from David Beckham to his PR team. In the email, Beckham reportedly described the honours committee as “a bunch of c****” and called the system a “f****** joke,” expressing frustration over previously not receiving a knighthood. The email read: “I expected nothing less. It’s a disgrace to be honest and, if I was American, I would have gotten something like this 10 years ago,” according to reports from The Mirror.
Discussing Beckham’s investiture, 31-year-old comedian Maisie Adam quipped, “It would have been nice, and maybe poetic, if Charles had got his own back, knighting him and going, ‘Arise you c***.'”
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Katherine Ryan then made a remark that ignited widespread criticism: “I don’t know if we are allowed to broadcast the ‘C-word’, but you did reference Victoria Beckham earlier… and we’ll allow that.” This comment appeared to take some viewers by surprise and led to immediate backlash online.
Following the broadcast, numerous viewers took to social media to condemn the BBC for permitting offensive language on air. Comments ranged from disappointment to calls for action against the show. One viewer wrote, “Unacceptable broadcasting of the ‘C’ word. This is a recorded programme, so who at the @BBC felt it was okay not to cut or bleep it out? Really disappointing #BBC.” Others described the episode as “weak” and lamented the erosion of standards.
One Twitter user expressed disbelief, writing, “The same BBC that allows the ‘C word’ to be broadcast during #hignfy, once in connection with Victoria Beckham. Katherine Ryan should be suspended.” The sentiment that the language had “crossed a boundary” was echoed by many.
Meanwhile, Sir David Beckham—who was honoured for his services to sport and charity in a ceremony at Windsor Castle—praised the knighthood as the “proudest moment” of his career. He has vowed to use the recognition to further his charitable work and contribute positively to the UK. A close associate of Beckham said he intends to “intensify his charitable endeavours” and raise the profile of important causes as a result of this honour.
The football legend, aged 50, has been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 2005 and remains committed to making a difference through his public platform.
The BBC and Katherine Ryan’s representatives have been contacted for comment regarding the controversy.