My Week as a Muslim: Everything you need to know about the controversial Channel 4 documentary

Channel 4 documentary My Week as a Muslim has yet to air but it has already proved controversial.

The one-off programme sees a white woman dress (complete with facial prosthetics) as a Pakistani and attempt to integrate into the Muslim community.

Here’s everything you need to know about the show.

What’s it about?

The documentary sees Katie Freeman, an NHS healthcare assistant who has anti-Muslim views, join the family of British-Pakistani teacher Saima Alvi.

Freeman dresses as a Pakistani for the week, darkening her skin and using facial prosthetics to change her appearance.

The events of the documentary unfold in the aftermath of Brexit which saw a spike in hate crimes and also documents the Mancunian family’s reaction to the Manchester Arena bombing.

Why is it controversial?

My Week as a Muslim has drawn criticism for Freeman’s decision to alter her appearance by donning a hijab, darkening her skin and using prosthetics to change the shape of her nose.

Many social media users called her Pakistani costume ‘brownface’ and slated Channel 4’s decision to air the show as ‘disgusting’.

“How about instead of doing brownface you just, like, listen to the Muslim community,” posted one Twitter user, while another wrote: “Disgusted by the #Channel4 ad for ‘My Week as a Muslim’ feauturing brownface. Why not ask an actual Muslim woman about her experiences??!”

When is it on?

The one-off special airs Monday, October 23 at 9 pm on Channel 4.