Sky History, the joint-venture UK tv channel run by A+E Networks UK and Comcast-owned Sky, has canceled its actuality competitors sequence The Chop: Britain’s High Woodworker after questions arose over whether or not a contestant had Nazi tattoos emblazoned on his face.
A+E Networks UK took The Chop off-air final week pending an investigation into Darren Lumsden’s ink. That investigation has concluded that the sequence can’t return to screens as a result of the symbols on Lumsden’s face “may very well be linked to far-right ideologies and will trigger offence.”
Distinguished amongst Lumsden’s markings is the quantity 88, which is white supremacist numerical code for Heil Hitler. The carpenter has denied any affiliation with far-right teams and mentioned the 88 symbolizes the 12 months of his father’s dying. Doubt has been solid over this declare, nonetheless, after the MailOnline found that Lumsden’s father is alive and effectively.
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Sky History Takes ‘The Chop’ Off-Air Amid Claims Contestant Has Nazi Tattoos On His Face
An A+E Networks UK spokesman mentioned: “Following an unbiased investigation, AETN UK has made the choice to not broadcast any additional episodes of The Chop on Sky Historical past. A contestant’s tattoos included symbols that may very well be linked to far-right ideologies and will trigger offence; we sincerely apologise for that and we’re sorry that our processes didn’t immediate additional investigation at an earlier stage.
“The contestant continues to strenuously deny that he has, or ever had, far-right leanings. We’re completely reviewing our inner processes following the investigation. AETN UK and Sky Historical past stand towards racism and hate speech of every kind.”
The Chop producer Huge Wheel Movie & Tv additionally issued an announcement saying that it acted in good religion all through the making of the Sky Historical past present and cooperated totally with the investigation.
“Huge Wheel Movie & Tv acted professionally, appropriately and in good religion all through the making of The Chop, following strong due diligence and obligation of care processes from casting via to supply,” a spokesman mentioned.
“All points, issues and issues recognized in relation to Darren Lumsden’s tattoos throughout manufacturing have been totally reported as much as A+E, and the broadcaster’s directives and directions in response have been carefully adopted. Huge Wheel Movie & Tv co-operated totally with the unbiased investigation put in place by A+E, and shared particulars of related processes, discussions and exchanges, together with supporting proof and documentation.
“Huge Wheel Movie & Tv stands towards all types of hatred and intolerance, is dedicated to the best skilled requirements, and strives always to deal with folks pretty.”
Just one episode within the nine-part sequence aired. The Chop was hosted by comic Lee Mack, presenter Rick Edwards, and carpenter William Hardie. In a Nice British Bake Off-style format, 10 contestants gathered in Epping Forest and intention to whittle, carve and chop their strategy to success, with their creations furnishing a lavish cabin within the woods.
