Jack Whitehall Faces Backlash for ‘Classist’ Jokes at BRIT Awards
Jack Whitehall, the 37-year-old comedian and host of this year’s BRIT Awards, has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The ceremony, held at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, marked the first time the event took place outside of London. While some viewers initially praised his performance, the backlash quickly escalated as critics accused him of making jokes that targeted the working class.
Whitehall began the evening with a series of sharp one-liners, which many found amusing. However, as the show progressed, his humor took a different turn. One of the most criticized moments came when he made a joke about an audience member’s suit, suggesting it was made from low-quality material. This comment was seen as an attempt to mock the local crowd, particularly those from working-class backgrounds.
Another controversial moment came when Whitehall referred to Manchester as the “G spot of the North.” He also joked about Oasis reuniting, drawing laughter from Noel Gallagher, who was present at the event. In another instance, he quipped that the city’s idea of black tie was the casualwear brand Stone Island, further fueling accusations of classism.
Social Media Reacts Strongly
The criticism didn’t go unnoticed. Viewers flooded social media with angry comments, expressing their frustration with Whitehall’s approach. Some of the most common complaints included:
- “Jack Whitehall being hired to host the Brits because of his connection to Manchester, and then proceeding to sh** on Manchester all night. Right”
- “Please make this the last year Jack Whitehall hosts the #BRITs”
- “Please get rid of the INSUFFERABLE Jack Whitehall next year”
- “Can Jack Whitehall make a joke that isn’t classist god”
- “Jack Whitehall try and not make a joke at the expense of working-class Mancunians challenge (level impossible)”
Many felt that Whitehall’s humor was not only offensive but also lacked originality. One viewer wrote: “At what point in tonight’s @BRITAwards does @jackwhitehall become funny? Comedy shouldn’t be painful and Whitehall’s posh boy schtick is tediously dull and makes an already overlong evening even more interminable.”
Censorship and Controversial References
During the ceremony, ITV bosses were forced to censor Whitehall after he made a joke about former Labour grandee Peter Mandelson. The disgraced former minister was arrested recently as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, following allegations that he leaked sensitive information to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary.
While speaking to Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham, Whitehall appeared to reference Mandelson, but his comment was censored. Viewers watching at home heard bird noise instead of the full joke. Whitehall joked how the BRITs is “the only party Andy is allowed into these days,” mocking the fact that Sir Keir Starmer blocked Andy from running as an MP for the Labour party.
He referenced Mandelson’s name in the so-called Epstein Files, by saying: “I think I saw Peter Mandelson on the list, oh no sorry that’s another list!”
Other Jokes and Criticisms
Whitehall also took shots at this year’s Bafta’s Film Awards, joking that the BRITs had the “best in the business” on the bleep button for the show. He was referencing Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson, who was heard shouting during last week’s ceremony.
As Harry Styles left the stage, Whitehall had the audience in hysterics by likening watching the Watermelon Sugar singer’s performance to sitting on a washing machine for three minutes. Robbie Williams was also in the firing line as he took to the stage to present Song of the Year, and Whitehall couldn’t resist a swipe, telling the packed arena how the hitmaker has had “more comebacks than his hairline.”
Happy Monday stars Shaun Ryder and Bez presented this year’s Group of the Year gong, but even the legends weren’t safe from Whitehall’s gags. He told the arena how the pair were “aging like service station flowers” and assumed they were part of the “in memoriam” VT.
Before Blackpink superstar Rosé and Bruno Mars scooped International Song of the Year for their hit song APT, Whitehall couldn’t help but say how the category had been “blighted by the fact American’s couldn’t be ars*ed” to fly to the UK to collect the gong.
In a further dig at the Baftas, Whitehall said how they also invited Paddington Bear to their ceremony, with cameras then panning to a wider shot appearing to show the iconic bear under the table, intoxicated.
The Beckhams’ very public feud was also brought up during the evening as Mark Ronson’s set was introduced by host Whitehall. He told the audience to “prepare to throw shapes like you’re Victoria Beckham during a first dance” – a nod to Brooklyn’s scathing statement where he accused his mother of “dancing inappropriately” during his wedding to Nicola Peltz.
