Joe Lycett investigated by police after ‘offended’ audience member complains about joke at comedy show | Ents & Arts News
Comedian Joe Lycett has revealed he has been investigated by police – after a person who watched one of his touring shows complained about what they saw as an offensive joke.
The star said this involved him writing a statement explaining the context of his stage prank to officers, which meant he had to include the words “giant donkey”. giant d ***” into a message to the force in question.
Thankfully, Lycett said the matter was closed.
He toured More, More, More! How do you Lycett? How do you Lycett? shows since March, showing audiences in Plymouth, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, York, Hull, Ipswich, Sheffield, Glasgow, Stockton, Newcastle, Cambridge, Stockport, Liverpool, Northampton, Birmingham, Belfast and Cardiff to date.
However, he did not say which tour program led to the police complaint.
In a statement posted on social media, Lycett said: “So someone came to my tour a couple of weeks ago and was offended by one of the jokes. And the reaction was complete. Their understandable for this is … phone the f ***** * police officer.
“To be fair, the fluff was pleased about it all but felt it was their duty to investigate. This involved me having to write a statement explaining the context of the joke to them; I particularly particularly liked to put the phrase ‘giant donkey d***’ into a message for a police detective.
“Charming, and hopefully amusing, the talkers ended the matter. You’ll be pleased to know that the joke – which I consider to be one of the best stories I’ve ever written – is still there. firmly and proudly exist in the show.”
And for fans with tickets to upcoming shows – booked in London, Leicester, Manchester, Brighton and more across the UK and Ireland – don’t worry.
“The tour continues until September, unless I’m jailed,” Lycett added.
The comedian also shared what is apparently an email from the police force investigating the matter, which says: “First of all thanks for your help today, much appreciated.
“I can confirm that the police now consider this matter closed. Thank you.”
This is not the first time Lycett has caused a stir with the authorities, after wrote a fake Sue Gray report on the alleged parties in Downing Street sooner than 2022.
In 2021, he staged a stunt outside Shell’s London headquarters to campaign against the company’s “clean-up” practices. And last year, he said he changed his name to Hugo Boss after designers target small businesses using the name “boss”.
