Warning: this story contains discussion of suicide
Ant and Dec have issued an apology following criticism of a promotional video for their new podcast, with viewers citing insensitive imagery that could be triggering for individuals facing mental health challenges.
The opening shot of the clip, featuring a pair of feet dangling, was described by social media users as evoking “suicide imagery” and potentially being “triggering”.
In a statement, the TV presenters acknowledged the concerns, stating: “We did not mean to cause any offence with this promo video and we are sorry if it upset anyone.”
The video was intended to promote their podcast, “Hanging Out With Ant & Dec,” set to launch later this month as part of their new digital entertainment channel. The video has since been removed.
Shared on Instagram and X on Friday, the video began with a close-up of feet suspended in the air, transitioning to the duo attached to a washing line.
Katie Waissel, a former X Factor contestant and mental health advocate, characterized the video as “triggering, insensitive and frankly reckless to push out as ‘entertainment’.”
She stated, “This opening visual of feet suspended above the ground is not a harmless ‘play on words’,” adding, “The suicide imagery is impossible to ignore.”
Numerous other social media users echoed these sentiments, labeling the clip “insensitive,” “triggering,” and in “poor taste.”
Ant and Dec released a statement on Saturday confirming that they had “taken on board comments” and subsequently deleted the video.
The podcast is slated to feature the duo discussing their lives and engaging with questions and comments from their audience.
It will be a part of their new Belta Box brand, hosted across platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, featuring classic clips from their television careers, as well as “new digital formats”.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC’s Action Line.
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