While the Scots have been the butt of many an englishmans joke, none have I heard so downright racist, insensitive and crass as to the mocking of the “Murder” of one so young. Today saw the panel of the channel 5 daytime show “The Wright Stuff” make light of the death of Liam Aitchison by diluting such a tragedy with humour engaging banter making ridicule of the Scottish accent and using the death of this local boy as fodder for its entertainment.
Already over a hundred comments have been posted denouncing the shows attitude and demanding that an apology is made to the friends and family of Liam, as well as to the people of the Western Isles.
Catherine MacD. from North Uist wrote “Liam lost his life and you feel fit to turn it into a joke. Would you be laughing if that was your son/nephew/brother – i think not. A family and the community as a whole are shocked and saddened by the lost of a Liam. I hope you that are sacked and the programme removed!!! “
Catriona Doyle, Benbecula writes “I can not believe that humour was used while talking about Liam Aitchison’s death on your show today.Liam was only 16years of age his family and friends and going through a hard time as it is without this programme making fun of what is happening SHAME on all of you.”
And Roddy MacKay said “Absolutely disgusted with than attitude of the Wright show and its panelists. The contempt shown when dealing with the callous murder of a 16 year old child is beyond belief. I sincerely hope none of the people involved lose a child in such a cruel way. RIP Liam, the islands won’t rest until your killer is caught. Disgusted at the Wright Show.”
While we would not wish to further promote such a poor showing of “Television Entertainment”, however for the sake of asking each of you to share your feelings with the producers and presenters of this program and we would ask you to consider putting forward a formal complaint to OfCom via https://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/specific-programme-epg
To view a re-run of the show and view the stream of comments coming in from all over the country http://www.channel5.com/shows/the-wright-stuff/episodes/episode-232-14
56 Comment
Shona McMillan, December 7, 2011 at 1:42 am
I am disgusted by Iain Wright’s comments and mocking behaviour associated to the death of 16yr old Liam Aitchison. I try to keep an open mind until I see/hear something myself so I watched the programme and yes, IT IS (in my opinion) very innappropriate and offensive. So others do not need to watch the entire broadcast – here is the edited chunk, I hope those who watch it will complain to OfCom and Channel 5. A boy’s murder should not be material for cheap jokes and laughter, this was TV at its worst. My thoughts go out to Liam, his family and friends and the community trying to deal with his recent loss.
Gordon Barlow, December 7, 2011 at 1:51 am
These comments in relation to Liam’s death are absolutely abhorrent, and should and must be condemned.
I am deeply dismayed at the lack of respect shown, not just to Liam’s family, but to the Western Isles at this trying and saddening time.
All the worse when this programme believes this is morally acceptable, and is incapable of showing an ounce of empathy for those touched by Liam’s passing.
This sicko has got to go, and nothing else, but his deperature will suffice.
donna, December 7, 2011 at 8:33 am
Shame on you Mr Wright, that’s someone’s 16 year old son your talking about… terrible
Lynda MacKinnon, December 7, 2011 at 9:01 am
I think that man should be sacked at the very least for his comments! As if Liam’s family & friends aren’t going through enough, it’s disgusting.
lara Archer, December 7, 2011 at 9:55 am
This nasty person should not be encouraged by the BBC.
FitzNicely, December 8, 2011 at 9:51 am
It’s Channel 5, not BBC, but you’re right, he should not even be employed by such a minority station.
Shaun Dempsey, December 7, 2011 at 10:01 am
This man is sick! To make a joke of such a tragic loss of young talented life is a disgrace. I knew Liam and it deeply offends me what that man said on his show. He should know better than that and have respect for his grieving family. I think he should be sacked at the very least!
Canon Mel Langille, December 7, 2011 at 10:11 am
I was horrified and disgusted. Sick, sick minds. I have watched “The Wright Stuff” for the last time.
DJ Mac, December 7, 2011 at 10:29 am
Sick,typical stereo typing.Disgusting .Channel 5 should be ashamed.
Danny, December 7, 2011 at 10:38 am
I can’t believe he could say somthing like this over such a tragic time,
makes me very Angry, he’s lucky he doesnt live near me.
Rob McMillan, December 7, 2011 at 10:52 am
Sack that racist man.
Christopher George Short, December 7, 2011 at 10:57 am
i think its absolutely bad how belligerent that Mr wright has been he doesn’t deserve to keep his job after what he joked about. Its not fair he is only 16 years of age he wouldn’t like it if it happened to one of his kids i think its absolutely sad that he can get away with something as sick as this. HIS APOLOGY WASN’T CONVINCING HE HAS GIVEN THE WRIGHT SHOW A BAD NAME!!!!!!
FitzNicely, December 8, 2011 at 9:53 am
Oh, I think it hd a bad name before that. He is an ignorant no-talent.
Louise, December 7, 2011 at 11:00 am
I’ve gone to watch it this morning and they’ve taken it down.
Michelle Anderson, December 7, 2011 at 11:03 am
This is a disgrace, one of the most hardest things in life to go through is a death let alone have it made a skit off on day time tv… It’s disgusting and it portrays a horrible attitude that shouldn’t be ignored.
isobel maciver, December 7, 2011 at 11:07 am
No one will ever forgive you about the comments about liams death show should be taken off for good and mr wright should never work on tv or radio again god bless liam and his family.
Angus John MacRury, December 7, 2011 at 11:13 am
My sympathy to Liam’s family.
The so called ‘apology’ by Wright twenty minutes ago on his show (for what was probably just insensitive ignorance and an inability to even crack a funny joke) was even worse than the comment he originally made with the laughter going on in the background.
Matthew Wright should be man enough to actually apologise sincerely for his remarks (to the family and friends of Liam Aitchison) rather than use some half arsed ‘justification’ based on his rather lame interpretation of artistic license that he doesn’t have the talent to back up.
I complained to Ofgem about the apology, (something that must be a rare thing to do) which marked a new low in how idiotic presenters respond to public opinion on a tasteless remark.
Wright is quite good at dishing out blame on media subjects but not quite so keen to examine and scrutinise himself in the same manner.
Naturalised Scot, December 7, 2011 at 11:21 am
As an Englishman settled and happy in Scotland I’m dismayed to hear you cry ‘racism!’ while at the same time decrying what you describe as an “Englishman’s joke”. After all, you wouldn’t dream of describing Ian Wright’s comments as as a “black man’s joke” would you?
I have seen material just as offensive as this directed at the Western Isles by comedians working for BBC Scotland in Glasgow. The offensive comments made towards Liam Aitchison and his family are a result of base ignorance and the delusions of power that comes from working in TV, not anyone’s nationality.
Tolerance and understanding needs to flow both ways, wouldn’t you agree?
Bob Leslie, December 7, 2011 at 5:36 pm
It wasn’t Ian Wright, it was Matthew Wright, and, having seen the clip, it was clearly based on an assumption that Scots, whatever happens to them, are to be laughed at. The statement about Liam’s death hadn’t even been allowed to finish when panel members were chipping in “jokes” like “Mr Taggart, there’s been a murder” in cod Scots accents. While I can’t go along with the notion that all Englishmen would find it funny, I have to agree that the presenters who made the statements appeared to do so from a racist standpoint.
proud scot, December 7, 2011 at 6:47 pm
no such thing as a naturalised scot [whos english] as i read earlier ,your scots or english not both . i think most scots would agree with that , as wright so easily shows the scots dont like the english making a fool of them especially over a young lads death , the sooner we get independance from them the better
stuart seivwright, December 7, 2011 at 6:55 pm
I agree. Let’s not make this a “racism” thing. The point that should be highlighted is the irresponsible and offensive comments which have been made. This is regardless of where the person who made them has come from.
Nea, December 7, 2011 at 7:45 pm
You can have England vs Scotland banter, I don’t have a problem with that. The problem I DO HAVE is with Mr Wright making a joke out of the MURDER of a young 16 year old boy.
Totally insensitive IDIOT!!
elaine, December 7, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Maybe so…..but even if you remove the whole racism argument, mocking a murder, a 16 year old child’s murder, is sick and offensive to the family, friends and community…WHEREVER THEY LIVE
David Cumming, December 8, 2011 at 5:50 pm
No, but neither were Matthew Wright’s comments described as being a “white man’s joke” – that would have been bringing race in to it. Scotland v England banter has been going for years and is usually quite good natured, as alluded to in the opening paragraph; but it was highly inappropriate to engage in it during an item of that nature.
No one is attacking Wright for being English but instead for his crass and insensitive comments, which were extremely unprofessional of him. Off the top of my head I cannot recall any Glasgow based comedians making jokes about Western Islanders being murdered but perhaps you know different.
Lorraine Barclay, December 7, 2011 at 11:50 am
This is disgusting behaviour from so-called professionals!!! This poor boy is dead and his family are trying to grieve whilst at the same time trying to find out what exactly happened to him!!! My thoughts are with them at this tragic time. This show should be removed from television and the presenters sacked!!!
Steinish Resident, December 7, 2011 at 11:52 am
DISGUSTING..This man and the stupid, insensitive people who laughed are foul.
He should be sacked AND made to apologise to Liams family and to the people who have watched this horror unfold in past 2 weeks. Shame on Channel 5
jackie macleay, December 7, 2011 at 12:04 pm
absolutely disgusted and saddened that yet another jumped up tv presenter thinks that it’s fitting to have a cheap laugh at the expense of the veiwing public feelings.
Maybe the cushioning of his unrealistic, materialistic world have deadened his feelings for the death of a young boy who was not so lucky in life. i’ll not be watching this man again and hope the appropriate bodies take this opportunity to stamp out such shameful hurtful behaviour
morven maclean, December 7, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Well said Jackie….the guy should be sacked.
Russ Brown, December 7, 2011 at 12:05 pm
I’m an English freelance journalist, I am totally stunned by the lack of respect and decorum shown by the ‘Wright Stuff’ panelists, and ashamed of the thought of it being seen as representative of English TV and journalism.
Sadly Mathew Wright and his ilk live in a bubble of self-gratification seeing themselves as being immune to criticism on the basis of their own vision of their celebrity status.
Hopefully the response to this disgraceful episode will give Mr. Wright a short sharp shock where he is most sensitive, his pay cheque.
Niall, December 7, 2011 at 12:16 pm
“Sorry, this episode is not currently available to watch on Demand 5.
? Find out why”
…and the “find out why” link takes you to a bunch of irrelevant technicalities. It looks like they’ve taken it down, but without the decency to make an apology.
Scum.
iain kerr, December 7, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Deeply shocked by Matthew Wright’s ignorance and lack of respect.
Irene Hepburn, December 7, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Well that is one programme I will never ever watch while Wright proves himself to be such a Wrong! I would not address this man as Mr as it is a title given out of respect and i have non for Wright! i do hope he is removed and hope he doesn’t have to suffer the pain of losing a child. Shame on you Wright and the programme makers for allowing this to be broadcast, you should have bleeped him off!
Susan Campbell, December 7, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Matthew Wright showed crass insensitivity and ignorance in his remarks about Liam Aitcheson’s death.
It’s just the Jeremy Clarkson syndrome rearing its ugly head again; say something as outrageous as can be get away with, and get noticed by the media. Well, he’s done that, all right.
Matthew Wright displayed the common ignorance, that anything in the Hebridean islands (or Scotland) must be small, unsophisticated, and not of London standards (thank goodness, if this is an example), and thus worthy of jibes and ridicule.
A big thumbs down!
Andy, December 7, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Perhaps the BBC should be made aware. The only way this cretin will be sacked is if Scotland as a whole stands up to be heard.
Angus where are you!
Neil MacNeil, December 7, 2011 at 12:50 pm
The apology on this mornings show wasn’t good enough, and its not the first time this twat has done this…
Zak Ross, December 7, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Very insensitive to exploit the death of a young man for the sake of a few laughs, which I hope weren’t received to be honest!
Eilidh Montgomery, December 7, 2011 at 1:55 pm
A public apology is in order Mr Wright!! So disgusted that I am never watching The Wright Stuff again
Jamie Regan, December 7, 2011 at 2:07 pm
I think everyone is over-reacting to this, a little bit. He said the word ‘murder’ in a Scots accent (similar to Taggart), because the story was about a murder in Scotland. He then went on to talk about fishing in the Hebrides because the story was about the Hebrides.
It was a little insensitive to skip over the fact that someone had been murdered, but I don’t think that calling for him to be sacked, nor describing this as abhorent or disgusting is really in proportion. It certainly wasn’t racist, as suggested in this story, either.
He didn’t ‘mock’ the murder – the problem was he didn’t acknowledge that it was a murder. That’s all.
Hugh Otterburn, December 7, 2011 at 2:20 pm
I am appalled at hearing this. This is not a case of bad taste, but out and out unacceptable behaviour from people who should know better. It is high time that this wretched man and his nauseous show were taken off air permanently and the management structure that allowed this horrible, offensive and inhuman ‘show’ to go out on air should be sacked.
God only knows what sort of effect this must have had on the family and friends of Liam Aitchison, and as an Englishman with a Scottish family background, I am ashamed that another Englishman has behaved so callously and unacceptably; and hope that Liam’s friends and family will know that most Englishmen will feel the same way. You have my sincere condolences . . . . .
Hugh
Jimbo, December 7, 2011 at 2:24 pm
“While the Scots have been the butt of many an englishmans joke, none have I heard so downright racist, insensitive and crass as to the mocking of the “Murder” of one so young.”
This comment from the above article says it all really. Our dumbed TV services are now plumbing new depths. There seems to be an attitude among some of the London set that the Scots are somehow an inferior race who are their to be mocked, regardless of circumstances.
Kieran Dónal McElligott, December 7, 2011 at 2:32 pm
I never watch this programme at all, & i am certainly glad that i didn’t, if all they can do is make light of a young person’s cruel death! I find it disgraceful & certainly in bad taste! My thoughts go out to the parents of Liam Aitchison, their family & friends & also to the local community! To mock anybody’s death is an embarrasment in itself, but to do it on air is completely diabolical, & i hope that this programme is completely removed hencewith!
Claire MacKinnon, December 7, 2011 at 2:42 pm
A sincere appology is the least the family & friends should expect from this absolute disregard for there pain and suffering.
Totally umprofessional!
MacWard, December 7, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Another example of the UK(London) media’s attitude to Scotland, no doubt a summery of the UK(England’s) over all opinion on the funny sounding jocks from up there. Wonder why we want independence when we’re treated so equally?
Ian smith, December 7, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Totally out of order those comments mark wright should be removed from the face of the earth
mary macleod, December 7, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I am totally disgusted at matthew wright ,, how dare he!! u should be sacked ! u need help !! the family of liam are going through enough at this moment in time without idiots like u making a joke !, this is not accepable . my deepest sympothy goes out to liams family.
Margaret, December 7, 2011 at 9:35 pm
I am disgusted with the comments in the first place and even more disgusted by the sorry excuse of an apology! ALL my sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with Liams family and friends. Such a tragic loss of one so young.
Brian Yates, December 7, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Wright a racist? Hardly, the English and Scots are the same race. The Wright stuff? Hardly. A bigot? Clearly. It is a shame that what passes for humour in the crass and tasteless world of Mr Wright is seen worthy of broadcasting. He has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is an unadulterated, insensitive bigot. He is a prime example of the pathetic nature of what passes for entertainment in Britain these days. (For a more eloquent missive on the subject see Ian Bell’s comment in the Sunday Herald 27 Nov.) Wright shouldn’t be forced to apologize, he isn’t capable of understanding what would be involved in a genuine apology or delivering it with sincerity. Just sack him. Give him the irrelevance he deserves. Or has channel 5 no spine? I hope Liam’s family can find shelter and comfort with family and friends.
michael stewart, December 7, 2011 at 11:22 pm
two football pundits got sacked for pulling the mick out of a woman linesman witch was wrong.a young boy boy gets murdered and this man thinks he can pull the piss.he should be sacked never to work in the media again,wonder what his life would be like if he lost someone close to him.liams family have been destroyed by this tradjery.so y cant this mans carreir be destroed.hope u get what u deserve mr wright
Scott, December 8, 2011 at 6:33 am
In my opinion Matthew Wright has been taking the lead in cracking jokes that have been getting more and more inappropriate. I wondered how long it would be, before be would go too far and he now he has by making fun of the murder of a sixteen year old boy. In view of the apology he gave, in my opinion he was not sorry at all and would have been better if he had not given one than be so insincere.
Dana McKenzie, December 8, 2011 at 8:20 am
I am thinking of his family at this very tough time.
I tried to access the episode via above link, however it states it is not available for viewing. It does not mention on the website why though, just a general ‘not all shows are shown on the demand service’. Come on, show some respect!!
Robin Beck, December 8, 2011 at 12:03 pm
It was most definitely a racist act and his apology was treated with such contempt. Horrible!
David S. Rogers, December 8, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Sorry state of affairs the modern world and modern TV with its lack of empathy lack of class and lack of thought
Janet, December 8, 2011 at 5:48 pm
I saw this program on Face book and found it to be very offensive. How dare he mock a murder in that way. Does he have children? Would he like to have one of them murdered and mocked by some insensitive bore!
simon, December 12, 2011 at 2:11 am
Matthew Wright is NOT a racist or a bigot.
He made a quip that was misinterpreted as being callous.
He has made apologies including writing to the parents of the child.
Recently Matthew has lost a close relative of a similar age and would never in any way try to poke fun at such a loss.
A lot of the comments here seem to be from people who do not watch his show, do not know his name, did not see the show and are clearly from people who like to ride the ‘hate wagon’.
Matthew is a kind, loving, warm, understanding, caring and sympathetic person who would never intentionally cause anyone harm or distress by his words or actions.
I, as one of many, am proud to be able to call him my friend.
Please consider my words before posting more hurtful words directed at a man that has done, and continues to do, so much good in this world.
ianmacsween, April 4, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Well apparently the English dont count it as racism if its directed against Scots, Irish or Welsh!
Dawn, May 17, 2012 at 10:04 am
He is a thoughtless twit…simple !