BBC Criticized for 'Classic Overkill' in Removing Mitchell and Webb Sketches

The BBC has faced accusations of "classic overkill" after removing 11 sketches from the comedy series "That Mitchell and Webb Look" from its iPlayer streaming service, citing concerns over racism.

The decision affects all four series of the show, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb, which was made available to mark its 20th anniversary. It is unclear if the comedians were consulted regarding the cuts.

Among the removed scenes are a sketch featuring blacked-up actors in a World War I re-enactment, a segment about a 'tribe' living in a garden center, and a character wearing a burqa on a makeover show.

Comedian Dom Joly criticized the BBC's actions, calling them "hysterical censorship" and "classic BBC overkill." Joly told The Times that while he understands removing content that promotes racism, he believes the intent of Mitchell and Webb's sketches was not to be racist. "It's so clear that Mitchell and Webb are not doing that. Their intent was not to be racist," he stated.

"That Mitchell and Webb Look" originally aired on BBC Two from 2006 to 2010 and received BAFTA awards for comedy.

This is not the first time the BBC has removed older comedy content from its platforms due to concerns about potentially offensive material. Previously, the shows "Little Britain" and "Come Fly With Me," starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, were removed over issues related to blackface, brownface, and racial stereotyping. At the time, a BBC spokesperson commented that "times have changed" since those programs were originally broadcast.

A spokesperson for the BBC stated, "That Mitchell and Webb Look has been made available on BBC iPlayer. This is a 20-year-old sketch show; in consultation with the programme makers, we have included the ones that still work today and not the ones that don't."