Have I Got News For You sparks uproar for broadcasting c-word multiple times

Have I Got News For You returned toBBC One this evening for a 30-minute episode hosted by American comedian Katherine Ryan, who was joined by Ian Hislop, Maisie Adam, and Lewis Goodall. Throughout the episode, they mocked Donald Trump, Andrew Windsor and former Prime Minister Liz Truss.

While the episode aired at 9pm, viewers were still left taken aback by a certain expletive word, which was used on the programme multiple times when the topic of David Beckham's knighthood arose. Katherine read an alleged email dating back to 2013 in which David reportedly called the honours committee a "bunch of c**ts".

There were gasps in the audience as she read the alleged email to viewers and showed it on the screen before Maisie added: "It would have been nice, and maybe poetic, if King Charles had got his own back by knighting him and saying, 'Arise, you c**t.'"

Katherine replied: "I don't know if we are allowed to broadcast the c-word, but you did reference Victoria Beckham earlier, and we will allow that."

The audience gasped again before Katherine stated that David had always denied what was in the alleged emails and blamed "Russian hackers".

At the time, David's representative blasted the reports, adding: "This story is based on outdated material taken out of context from hacked and doctored private emails from a third-party server and gives a deliberately inaccurate picture."

Viewers took to X to comment on the strong language on Have I Got News For You, with one writing: "The same BBC that allows the C word to be broadcast during #hignfy, once in connection with Victoria Beckham. Katherine Ryan should be suspended."

Another said: wrote: "Something very odd and jarring about hearing the c word (c**t) on Have I Got News for You. #hignfy."

A third fumed: "Heads should roll for allowing the C word to be broadcast at least twice during #hignfy." Someone else added: "How many will complain that the @BBC allowed the C word to be broadcast during #hignfy and Kathryn Ryan using it in connection with Lady Beckham? @ofcom."

Despite the backlash, a person who thoroughly enjoyed the episode penned: "I seem to be in the minority, but I thought tonight's episode was really funny. Ah well!"

Another fan wrote: "Absolutely fabulous episode! Great guests and love Katherine Ryan, great hosting."

The BBC has been contacted for comment by Express.co.uk.

Have I Got News for You continues next Friday on BBC One at 9pm.