Harry Enfield sparked outrage among listeners of BBC Radio 4 this morning by defending the use of blackface in comedy and using a racial slur.
The 59-year-old comedian, who impersonated Nelson Mandela as a drug dealer, took part in a debate on the Today programme alongside host Nick Robinson and writer Ava Vidal.
Robinson asked Enfield if he understood that blackface was historically used to ridicule black people. Enfield replied that he had not intended to any cause offence.
"I wouldn’t do it now, but I don’t think I regret it," said the TV star.
He went on: "Let me tell you, Nick, obviously Al Johnson or GH Elliot, who played the Chocolate Coloured C**n in the 1930s – they perpetuated the myth of the happy negro who was just very happy to sing under the crack of the whip, the American whip or the British imperial bayonet and obviously that’s deeply offensive and always will be."
Robinson then stepped in to remind Enfield the term he used was offensive and should not be repeated.
"Just to be clear, Harry, because there will be people offended by that term you just used,” Robinson said.
"Well that was his name on stage," replied Enfield.
Elsewhere in the interview, Enfield said there should be a 'conversation' about applying black or brown make-up for a comedy role especially in a satirical fashion.
Enfield said that if Tory politician Rishi Sunak became prime minister he would: "find it difficult that I would not be allowed to play him because of the colour of his skin."
Listeners took to interview after the debate to share their shock at some of the comments.
"Just listened back to that Harry Enfield interview on Radio 4. None of that was OK. None of it," said one.
"Absolutely disgusting from Harry Enfield and Today on Radio 4," fumed another.
"Give me the confidence of Harry Enfield going on radio 4 to defend blacking up as Nelson Mandela (and depicting him as a drug dealer)" joked one.
