Vittorio Angelone storm: Comedian's apology 'acknowledged, not accepted' as BBC 'actively considering' concerns
A Belfast comedian’s apology for a joke that spurred an outcry from rape crisis charities has been ‘acknowledged, not accepted’ by the woman at the heart of it.
And BBC Northern Ireland says it’s still "actively considering” concerns raised in the storm around Vittorio Angelone, as the planned airdate of a sitcom starring the 30-year-old neared.
Appearing on an episode of a podcast last year, Angelone referred to content creator Rebecca Goodwin while making a joke about rape. She had previously spoken publicly about being the victim of sexual assault.
A highlights clip containing that joke was posted on social media this month, sparking outrage from rape charities as well as many women in the entertainment industry.
He was publicly criticised by both Rape Crisis Northern Ireland and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, who argued that “to treat sexual violence as a joke betrays a deep lack of understanding of what survivors have lived through”.
The Belfast stand-up, an increasingly high profile name within the comedy world, yesterday issued an apology on social media in which he stated he shouldn’t have made the joke and let his “need for validation supersede [his] own standards and morals”.
He also said he was “grateful” for people calling him out and “making me realise where I should’ve done better”.
Ms Goodwin, who has said she is currently pregnant and going the stress of a court case to do with her alleged assailant, today stated Angelone’s apology was “acknowledged but not quite accepted due to the timelines of everything happening”.
Making what she said would would be her last social media comment on the issue, she stated she appreciated “the accountability and the lack of an excuse”.
But, she added, it was not just up to her to accept an apology, but “the one in three women that have a similar story to mine”.
Last week, BBC Northern Ireland started publicising Angelone’s first starring role in a sitcom, a six-episode series called ‘Rewarding’. The comedian co-stars with actress Hannah McLean of ‘Blue Lights’ fame, playing support workers Francis and Sinead who deal with clients who had physical and learning disabilities.
In press statements, the broadcaster described the sitcom as “Angelone's first major acting role, [after] making a name for himself as a stand-up comedian as well as appearing on a number of panel shows”.
States the show’s synopsis: “Newcomer Sinead is an unstoppable force of positivity and idealism, while old hand Francis is the immovable object of reality and pragmatism.”
Scripted by writers behind shows such as ‘Hope Street’ and ‘Bergerac’, an exact airdate for the series hadn’t yet been revealed but it was stated to be set to be broadcast this autumn.
In the wake of the controversy, a BBC Northern Ireland spokesperson told the News Letter: “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised and are actively considering them, recognising their seriousness and the sensitivities involved.”
The 30-year-old’s joke saw him appear on an episode of podcast ‘Have A Word’ centred on telling near-the-knuckle cracks mocking comedian Freddy Quinne.
Angelone stated: “Freddy, if you’re here, who’s raping Rebecca Goodwin? That’s a joke. Of course, it’s her dad.”