ITVCoronation Street viewers have slammed ITV after a character was seen making a ‘racist’ comment regarding her hair.
The episode, which was shown on Bank Holiday Monday, featured a scene involving Cath Tyldesley’s character Eva Price and Sue Nicholls’ Audrey Roberts.
In the episode, Eva visits Audrey’s hair salon and comments: “I have more roots than Kunta Kinte. No idea who that is, by the way, just something my mum used to say.”
ITVKunta Kinte was a character who featured in the novel Roots. His story tracks from his birth in 1750 to his death in 1822, during which time he was captured in Gambia and became a slave in America.
Unsurprisingly, the comments have gained criticism across social media.
@Ofcom I'm offended by the Kunte Kinte gag on @itvcorrie tonight. NOT funny! Requesting an explanation and an apology
— Joanne (@talkitsingitsay) August 29, 2016
"I've got more roots than Kunta Kinte"
What is the meaning of this pls @itvcorrie ????? pic.twitter.com/kahV4nBNCH— Ryan (@ryukudla) August 30, 2016
The 'more roots than kunte kinte' line in @itvcorrie is NOT ok. How did it get to tx without anyone noticing? @itvpresscentre @ofcom #racism
— Sarah McGiven (@FightForYrWrite) August 30, 2016
The writers of Coronation Street did not just make one of thier characters say "I've got more roots than kunte kinte, whoever that is" SMH ?
— J Cas (@jcasmusicuk) August 30, 2016
@itvcorrie why would you allow such a racist comment about Roots and Kunte Kinte? Shame on you.
— Vanessa (@van_essa66) August 30, 2016
The creators of the soap have since apologised to viewers who found the phrase offensive, the Mirror reports. An ITV spokesperson said: “We apologise if this dialogue has caused offence.”
This is the second time in a week that ITV bosses have found themselves facing criticism. Earlier this week, Emmerdale sparked outrage from viewers after a character made a comment about a drunk person acting like someone with cerebral palsy.
Nicola King’s character was branded ‘disgusting’ as she said: “You can’t go around like that, all cocked. You look like you’ve got Hemiplegia.”
Get your shit together, ITV.
