The BBC has drawn criticism for removing an episode of its children's program "Horrible Histories" that depicted slavery and Victorian child labor. The corporation has also edited out several other sketches from various episodes, including a segment on Madame Tussaud creating death masks from severed heads.
The content in question included a sketch of Roman slaves chained on a ship, with a declaration that they would not be allowed to escape if the vessel sank. Another edited segment featured a mock advertisement seeking compensation for exploited Victorian factory workers, specifically highlighting disabled children.
The BBC stated that the changes were implemented seven years ago to ensure the program adhered to guidelines for children's programming. However, historian Guy Walters argued to The Times, "This is an insane decision. Children love horrible things," suggesting that the show's appeal lies partly in its unvarnished portrayal of historical events.
"Horrible Histories" has previously faced scrutiny for its content, including suggestions that Britain historically had little of note to offer, relying instead on imports. The show has been generally praised for its ability to engage children with history by incorporating some of its more challenging aspects.