Richard Osman sparks outrage as he delivers ‘dumb’ verdict on state of modern British celebrity: ‘Imbecile!’
Richard Osman has sparked outrage on social media after suggesting British viewers would prefer to watch domestic celebrities over globally renowned stars such as the latest Oscar winners.
The controversy erupted following comments made on his podcast, The Rest is Entertainment.
Osman claimed that if Oscar winners Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison appeared on a British chat show, viewers “would probably switch over”.
He added that audiences would likely prefer to see British comedians “Sara Pascoe and Greg Davies” instead.
The remarks, which have been viewed nearly half a million times online, have prompted fierce criticism about Britain’s insular approach to celebrity culture.
Social media users have been scathing in their response to Osman’s comments.
One prominent tweet branded the presenter a “f***ing imbecile”.
Another user wrote: “To be fair, when I see Richard Osman on anything, I immediately think it would be much better if he were replaced by Adrian Brody.”
“Famously unwatchable people, those best actor winners,” remarked another sarcastically.
Other critical responses included: “I cannot begin to express my contempt for this man” and “This is such a dumb take. Both films were excellent.”
Not all reactions were negative, with one user noting: “Apart from him being a Fulham fan, I find him quite amusing.”
The full context of Osman’s remarks reveals a more nuanced position than the viral clip suggests.
On The Rest is Entertainment podcast, titled “Is It Time To Yell ‘Cut’ On The Oscars?”, Osman actually praised Madison and her film Anora.
He also commended many of this year’s Best Picture nominees.
However, he did describe the majority of these films as “niche” and “arthouse”.
Both Osman and co-host Marina Hyde questioned the relevance of the Oscars to modern British audiences.
The Independent noted that while Osman’s premise about viewing preferences may be accurate, his conclusions about the Oscars could be challenged.
The controversy highlights what The Independent describes as “something profoundly insular and incurious about the British approach to celebrity culture”.
To become a mainstay on British TV, the article suggests exceptional talent isn’t required.
Instead, being “affable, vaguely amusing, and politically inoffensive” is often sufficient.
While British celebrities like Pascoe and Davies are acknowledged as skilled, the article notes that “all that’s demanded is a sort of baseline, familiar competence”.
This preference for familiar faces over international talent reflects a “Brit-centric attitude to celebrity culture”.
Osman is best-known for featuring in BBC game show, Pointless and hosting House of Games, but is also an author and comedian.