Ofcom has decided not to launch a formal investigation after Miriam Margolyes sparked more than 490 complaints by saying she wanted Boris Johnson “to die” from coronavirus.
During an appearance on Channel 4's The Last Leg in May, the comic said that the Government’s handling of the pandemic has been a “disgrace” and a “public scandal.”
She then added that she “had difficulty not wanting Boris Johnson to die.”
Margolyes, 79, continued: “I wanted him to die and then I thought that reflects badly on me and I don’t want to be the sort of person who wants people to die.
“So then I wanted him to get better, which he did do.
“But he didn’t get better as a human being and I really would prefer that.”
Explaining why the on-air incident will not be investigated, a spokeswoman for Ofcom said: “These provocative comments had clear potential to offend viewers.
“But we also considered the audience’s likely expectations of Miriam Margolyes, a comic actor known for her forthright views, and of this live, late-night satirical comedy show.
“We also took into account that Ms Margoyles immediately qualified her comments, and viewers were warned in advance about the programme’s adult humour."
Margolyes' controversial comment came shortly after Johnson has returned to No.10 after being hospitalised with coronavirus.
The prime minister has since made a full recovery and returned to overseeing the government's response to the pandemic.
Additional reporting by Press Association
