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Muslim comedy sparks 185 complaints to the BBC
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[link to www.bbc.co.uk]
The BBC has been accused of stereotyping Muslims in its new sitcom, Citizen Khan.
The broadcaster has received 185 complaints since the first episode aired on BBC One on Monday, with some claiming it was a "tasteless depiction of Islam".
Complaints have risen overnight, however, the BBC said it has evidence of a lobbying campaign.
The six-part series follows a Muslim community worker in Birmingham.
It was created by British Muslim, Adil Ray, who also stars in the show.
Other members of the cast include My Family star Kris Marshall as a mosque manager and Shobu Kapoor, who played Gita in EastEnders, as Mrs Khan.
"Insulting"
The media watchdog, Ofcom, said it received in the region of 20 complaints about the programme.
One viewer who complained to the BBC said the show "insulted" and "ridiculed" Islam.
"We feel though as if this show has crossed the line and we expected a comedy show but now we have witnessed a mocking show," said the viewer.
Another wrote that the content was "bigoted" and "offensive".
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
It is good to change the stereotyped image of Muslims always being serious and shouting that has appeared so often in the media”
Yousuf Bhailok Former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain
But others, commenting on a BBC messageboard following Monday night's broadcast defended the show.
Referring to a scene in which a teenage daughter hastily changed her attire before her father entered the room, one said: "People are reading too much into Citizen Khan, especially the hijab thing, it happens!"
Comedian Humza Arshad, star of the hit internet comedy Diary of a Badman, told the BBC's Asian Network that he felt some of the jokes went "a bit too far".
"I wasn't offended but I think some other people might be. For example, the scene with the Quran. Personally I'd play it safe. Some people might complain about it - I've got similar feedback myself by the audience, the Muslim community is one of the most sensitive communities out there."
Former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Yousuf Bhailok said the show was "the best thing the BBC has done recently".
"It is good to change the stereotyped image of Muslims always being serious and shouting that has appeared so often in the media," he said.
"There is great humour among Muslims. I am glad it has been made....50% article at link.
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