Backlash Over TV Host's 'Sick' Prince Harry Joke as Meghan's Friend Responds

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A recent interview on GB News featuring TV presenter Patrick Christys has ignited a wave of outrage due to a tasteless joke he made about the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry. The incident occurred during a conversation with royal correspondent Charles Rae, in which they were discussing Prince Harry's perspective on the popular series, The Crown, and his plans to revisit the UK.

In the midst of the discussion, Christys attempted a humorously provocative comment, suggesting a scenario involving a fake gun and the difficult choice between targeting James Corden, the well-known talk show host, or Prince Harry himself.

The comment was met with swift backlash from viewers, with several even lodging complaints with the regulatory authority, Ofcom. Omid Scobie, a close friend of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, expressed his disapproval on social media, emphasizing the apparent leniency towards controversial content on GB News.

He stated, "Unlike the reputable news broadcasters in this country, it appears that almost anything goes on @GBNews – even distasteful jokes about violence. Such incidents shed light on the reasons behind Prince Harry's concerns about his safety in the UK."

Christys Clarifies Joke's Context

Christys attempted to contextualize his remark, explaining that it was made in relation to a previous engagement Prince Harry had with James Corden before he and Meghan signed a significant deal with Netflix.

He humorously pondered the hypothetical decision between the two figures, reflecting on Prince Harry's views on The Crown and his jest about its fictional nature. Despite Christys' explanations, his comments ignited a strong response from the audience.

Many took to social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), to express their disappointment and concern. One individual urged Ofcom to take action against the network for what they deemed "hate speech," underscoring the importance of addressing potential breaches of broadcasting standards.

Another comment labeled the incident as "disgusting" and called for accountability from regulatory bodies. In the wake of this controversy, the incident underscores the delicate balance between free expression and responsible broadcasting, prompting a wider conversation about the ethical considerations surrounding humor, public figures, and sensitive topics.