BBC receives more than 600 complaints after calling Irish actor Paul Mescal ‘British’

A BBC blunder that saw Irish Oscar nominee Paul Mescal labelled arsenic ‘British’ resulted successful nan broadcaster being deed pinch complete 600 complaints.

Last week nan nationalist broadcaster issued an apology aft getting a awesome truth astir nan Aftersun character wrong.

Now, it’s been revealed that location were 605 complaints astir nan error, arsenic reported by Deadline.

After being announced arsenic one of nan nominees for nan upcoming Academy Awards, nan 26-year-old from Maynooth was acknowledged successful nan BBC coverage, but his nationality was listed incorrectly.

In matter appearing connected screen, nan BBC reported: ‘2023 Oscar nominations: British actors Paul Mescal and Bill Nighy are nominated for starring role.’

BBC apologised for nan correction soon afterwards, successful a connection that read: ‘In matter moving crossed nan surface we reported that Paul Mescal was 1 of 2 British actors who had been nominated for an Oscar for a starring role.’

‘The matter should person said that Paul Mescal is Irish. We apologise for nan mistake.’

While BBC is monitored by Ofcom, it besides takes connected complaints directly.

However, audiences tin past kick to Ofcom if they judge a breach of nan Broadcasting Code has been made.

Born successful Maynooth, it wasn’t nan first clip 26-year-old Paul had wrongly been called British.

After starring successful nan tv adjustment of Sally Rooney’s best-selling caller Normal People successful 2020, a tweet clarifying his nationality became nan astir liked station successful his location state that year.

Simply tweeting ‘I’m Irish’ aft outlets including The Guardian called him British pursuing his Emmy information for nan series, nan station picked up much than 130,000 likes arsenic good arsenic much than 12,000 retweets and much than 1,600 replies.

That twelvemonth he was besides nominated for nan Best Actor Award astatine nan BAFTAS, which he won.

Next period Paul will again beryllium competing for an world motion for his first starring domiciled successful a characteristic film, aft his information successful nan Actor successful a Leading Role class for Aftersun.

He will beryllium going up against Austin Butler (Elvis), Brendan Fraser (The Whale), Bill Nighy (Living) and chap Irishman Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) successful nan category.

Metro.co.uk has contacted nan BBC and representatives for Paul Mescal for comment.

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