The Chop cancelled; indie says it flagged concerns to broadcaster

A+E Networks UK’s Sky History has cancelled reality format The Chop as a result of a contestants’ tattoos - while producer Big Wheel said it flagged concerns about the issue to the broadcaster during production.

The controversy centres on contestant Darren Lumsden. He has a number of tattoos that members of the public identified, post TX, as being linked to far-right and Nazi groups.

After initially defending the production, and stating that Lumsden’s tattoos “denote significant events in his life and have no political or ideological meaning whatsoever”, A&E subsequently pulled the series pending further investigation.

Today (30 October), A&E Networks UK said: “Following an independent investigation, AETN UK has made the decision not to broadcast any further episodes of The Chop on Sky History.

“A contestant’s tattoos included symbols that could be connected to far-right ideologies and could cause offence; we sincerely apologise for that and we are sorry that our processes did not prompt further investigation at an earlier stage.

“The contestant continues to strenuously deny that he has, or ever had, far-right leanings. We are thoroughly reviewing our internal processes following the investigation. AETN UK and Sky History stand against racism and hate speech of all kinds.”

Producer Big Wheel Film & TV has defended its role in the scandal, stating that it reported concerns about the tattoos to broadcaster Sky History and followed its instructions in response.

The indie said it had “acted professionally, appropriately and in good faith throughout”.

It said: ”The making of The Chop followed robust due diligence and duty of care processes from casting through to delivery. All issues, problems and concerns identified in relation to Darren Lumsden’s tattoos during production were fully reported up to AETN UK, and the broadcaster’s directives and instructions in response were closely followed.”

The producer, led by James Quinn, added that it had co-operated fully with the independent investigation and shared details of relevant processes, discussions and exchanges, along with supporting evidence and documentation.

Big Wheel added that it is “against all forms of hatred and intolerance, is committed to the highest professional standards, and strives at all times to treat people fairly.”

The show, which has been pulled after a single ep, was a flagship commission for the channel, and was fronted by comedian Lee Mack and presenter Rick Edwards.