In the latest controversy the ‘Down Under’ edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race has found itself in, UK broadcaster BBC has censored some of the jokes about the Royal Family made in the latest episode of the series.
The jokes came as part of the series’ popular ‘Snatch Game’ segment, where the queens impersonate celebrities and other notable figures.
Contestant Anita Wigl’it was portraying Queen Elizabeth II. Following a riff with fellow queen Etcetera Etcetera who was portraying Lindy Chamberlain, Wigl’it said, “I wish a dingo would have taken my baby, then I wouldn’t have anything to do with Prince Andrew any more”.
While the jokes weren’t censored on Stan, where the series airs in Australia, BBC chose to do so in alignment with what they said was to keep the programme “in accordance with UK audience expectations”.
A spokesperson told The Guardian that “the BBC occasionally makes edits to acquired programmes” to help meet those expectations.
However, other jokes were made involving the Queen and Prince Andrew that weren’t censored, including Wigl’it saying, “When somebody turns 100, I write them a letter – and when somebody turns 16, Prince Andrew writes them a text.”
Throughout the season, an array of famous Australians and New Zealanders are set to appear. Already, Taika Waititi, Kylie Minogue and Dannii Minogue have all made appearances.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under airs every Saturday on Stan.
