Dad was not racist... he worked against it
Son of Father Ted star Morgan defends his legacy
Cast of Father Ted
DERMOT Morgan’s son Don has defended comedy classic Father Ted and insisted his late dad is not a racist.
The much-loved shows, written by Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, came under fire this week when some of them were criticised for alleged racist material.
Social media users are now calling for Father Ted to be removed from online streaming platforms in the same way Little Britain has been deleted from a number of prominent websites.
However, RTE has backed the cult classic and is standing over the decision to include it in the summer schedule and on RTE Player.
Critics referred to an episode of the show in which three priests use blackface when dressing up as Diana Ross and The Supremes for a talent show.
There is also an episode where Morgan, who plays Ted, is constantly caught up in various potentially racist scenarios.
At one point he can be seen ranting and goose-stepping in a window as a small dirty spot gives him the appearance of Adolf Hitler.
As of yet no decision has been made to remove Father Ted from the Channel 4 player – the broadcaster that originally showed the series.
But in an emotional online plea, Morgan’s son Don asked for his father’s reputation to be left alone.
He said: “All my family
Don Morgan
Blackface on Little Britain have left of my father is his work and reputation. He abhorred racism of every type and actively worked against it.
“Whilst insignificant compared to the suffering and upset of victims of racism, you might forgive me for feeling more than a little sad about this.”
A spokesman for the national broadcaster said: “RTE has no plans to remove Father Ted from our schedule or from the RTE Player.”
Little Britain has been taken off Netflix, Britbox and the BBC’S iplayer over concerns about racial stereotypes.
The sketch sitcom used blackface for a number of characters.
The hit comedy, which aired between 2003 and 2008 and was followed by a number of one-off specials, made huge stars out of Matt Lucas and David Walliams.
A spokesman for the BBC said: “There’s a lot of historical programming available on BBC iplayer which we regularly review.
“Times have changed since Little Britain first aired so it is not currently available
on BBC iplayer.”
AN upgrade of almost €8million was announced for Tallaght Stadium, which will raise its capacity to 10,000 people.
South Dublin County Council confirmed the €7.7million boost for the home of Shamrock Rovers.
The council’s Daniel Mcloughlin said: “The ongoing investment being made in the development is evidence of our council’s commitment to sport, community infrastructure, the civic pride and reputation of the Tallaght area.”