Yahoo News BBC responds to complaints over Vicar of Dibley special referencing Black Lives Matter
The BBC has responded to complaints from some viewers over referencing Black Lives Matter in the upcoming The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown specials.
The new special episodes began this week and see Dawn French reprise her role as Reverend Geraldine Granger as she gives sermons over Zoom.
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However, since it was previously reported that the character will discuss topics including Black Lives Matter following the death of George Floyd earlier this year, the BBC has confirmed it received over 100 complaints (via Metro).
In response, the corporation said in a statement: "In The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown, Geraldine shares with her congregation her take on some of the key stories of 2020, including clapping for the NHS, the Black Lives Matter movement, lockdown, and school exams being cancelled.
"She is a much-loved and well-established comic character and will be seen processing the year's events in her familiar outspoken and high-spirited way."
French herself appeared to respond indirectly to the complaints, tweeting over the weekend: "A lovely calm day, full of humanity, compassion and support all round.....".
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Richard Armitage, who plays on-screen husband Harry Kennedy, responded with support, writing: "More love to coming to you than you’ll ever know," to which Dawn replied: "My husband is a total mensch...".
Meanwhile, ahead of the specials, Dawn admitted that she struggled to film a eulogy for the late Emma Chambers' character Alice Tinker in the episodes.
The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown is available on BBC iPlayer.
For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.
Watch: Dawn French admits it was tough filming an emotional tribute to Vicar Of Dibley's Alice Tinker
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