Little Britain creator Matt Lucas is branded ‘a hypocrite’ and blasted for ‘making a killing out of blackface and mocking the disabled’ as he wades in on Kanye West Wireless Festival row

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Matt Lucas, the creator of Little Britain, is facing criticism for publicly commenting on the controversy surrounding Kanye West’s headlining performance at the Wireless Festival in July.

As a longtime fan, I was really disheartened to see Kanye making such hateful statements online – particularly his anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi comments. It was upsetting, and I joined many others speaking out against the festival organizers’ initial decision regarding him. While he’s since apologized and attributed his behavior to his bipolar disorder, it doesn’t erase the harm caused, and it was a difficult situation to watch unfold.

He posted on X, asking if someone had released a song titled ‘Heil Hitler,’ sold merchandise with swastikas, or threatened violence against Jewish people. He then sarcastically suggested that if they had, they might be qualified to perform at the Wireless Festival.

The post quickly drew criticism from fans, who noted that his earlier shows, Little Britain (2003) and Come Fly With Me (2010) – both created with David Walliams and in which he starred – featured characters that were now considered offensive.

As a long-time fan, it was really disappointing to learn about the sketches in Little Britain that haven’t aged well. I understand why people were upset by the use of blackface and the way disabled characters were portrayed – it was rightly criticized as lazy and relying on harmful stereotypes. Matt and David actually apologized for it back in 2020, which was the same time the show was taken off streaming services, and I think that was the right thing to do. It’s a shame, because I enjoyed a lot of the show, but we have to acknowledge when things aren’t done respectfully.

Kanye West’s inclusion in an upcoming event has caused significant public outrage. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed serious concerns that the rapper will be the headliner for all three nights at Finsbury Park in London.

Before issuing an apology and citing mental health concerns, Kanye West displayed deeply offensive behavior. This included wearing clothing with swastikas and the slogan ‘White Lives Matter,’ identifying as a Nazi, releasing a song with praise for Hitler, and making threatening statements towards Jewish people.

People are increasingly demanding a permanent ban on his entry to the UK, especially since he hasn’t performed there in over a decade.

The UK’s Home Secretary has the power to refuse entry visas to people from other countries if officials believe their presence would be harmful to society. Since the recent public backlash, four organizations have cancelled their support for the festival.

Adding to the complaints, Matt sarcastically pointed out that his past offensive comments and behavior were being ignored in light of the new signing.

The announcement quickly received criticism, with many people pointing out that Matt had previously created characters who wore blackface, like Pastor Jesse King, Desiree DeVere, and the stereotypically portrayed Thai bride, Ting Tong.

A lot of the posts showed a picture of Matt dressed up as Precious Little, a character from the comedy show Come Fly with Me. Precious Little is a Jamaican woman in her fifties who runs a coffee stand.

He also played roles as passenger liaison officer Moses Beacon and airline boss Omar Baba in the show In Come Fly With Me. The controversy regarding ableism centers around the characters of Andy Pipkin, who uses a wheelchair, and his caregiver, Lou.

Critics questioned whether the artist was experiencing a bipolar episode when they performed in blackface, asking if this explained the action. They also challenged the artist to explain their racially insensitive behavior, particularly considering reports that they were experiencing an unmedicated bipolar episode at the time.

Honestly, it’s just… ironic. Matt Lucas lecturing anyone about morality? Seriously? It feels so hypocritical considering his entire career on the BBC has been based on relying on tired, and frankly, offensive stereotypes. It’s hard to take him seriously when that’s been his bread and butter for years. The pot calling the kettle black doesn’t even begin to cover it.

An upset online user questioned Matt Lucas’s sincerity, pointing out his past use of blackface and jokes at the expense of people with disabilities. While acknowledging that ‘Little Britain’ was funny, the user expressed a desire for Lucas to demonstrate some self-awareness.

Oh my god, you guys, it’s EVERYTHING! Someone just reminded me of the Little Britain Talking Plush toys from 2005, and it brought back ALL the feels. I need to find these again! They had Andy, Lou, and even Desiree DeVere as that amazing spa guest! It’s so perfect that they made toys out of the characters – they totally deserved it, considering how iconic those sketches were! It’s just… chef’s kiss. I remember wanting them so badly back then, and now I need to complete the collection!

Some people defended the celebrity, arguing that Kanye West’s comments were supportive of Hitler, while the other person’s actions were just a joke. They questioned comparing the two, saying, ‘Is it really reasonable to equate a comedy sketch with supporting Hitler? These are strange times…’

I don’t believe Ye should be permanently ostracized, but praising Nazism is far more serious than making insensitive jokes about race or disability. There’s a huge difference between being offensive and advocating for genocide. And, honestly, he was a funny performer.

‘KW not so much, but I don’t think he should be banned. This country let Kneecap perform…’

Matt had previously stated there was no malice involved, and they were just highlighting the variety of people they could include in their work.

Matt criticized the practice of white actors relying on racial stereotypes for humor, calling it an easy way to get laughs. David confirmed plans to revive the show, but admitted some changes would be necessary.

David posted on Twitter that he and Matt both regret having played characters of different races in the past. They reaffirmed their apology, stating it was wrong and they are truly sorry.

Matt and David have each apologized for using blackface during their show, which started as a radio program in 2000. It then became a TV series on the BBC from 2003 to 2007, and helped launch both of their careers.

Daily Mail has contacted Matt for comment.  

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2026-04-06 19:57