In a concerning incident, popular TV presenters Ant and Dec have faced backlash over a promotional video for their new podcast, which has been criticised for containing imagery that was deemed insensitive and potentially triggering for those struggling with mental health issues.
The opening shot of the video, which was shared on Instagram and Twitter on Friday, featured a close-up of a pair of feet suspended in the air, evoking imagery of suicide. This prompted an immediate reaction from social media users, who described the visuals as “triggering”, “insensitive” and “in poor taste”.
Former X Factor contestant and mental health advocate Katie Waissel was particularly critical of the promo, stating that the “suicide imagery is impossible to ignore” and that the video was “triggering, insensitive and frankly reckless to push out as ‘entertainment'”.
In response to the widespread criticism, Ant and Dec issued a statement on Saturday, acknowledging that they “did not mean to cause any offence” and apologising “if it upset anyone”. The video has since been deleted.
The podcast, titled “Hanging Out With Ant & Dec”, is set to launch later this month as part of the duo’s new digital entertainment channel, Belta Box. The show will see Ant and Dec catch up on their lives and take questions and comments from listeners.
While the presenters likely intended the promo to be playful and attention-grabbing, the backlash highlights the importance of being mindful of mental health sensitivities when creating promotional content. As public figures with a significant platform, Ant and Dec have a responsibility to ensure their messaging is not inadvertently causing harm or distress.
This incident serves as a reminder for content creators to exercise caution and seek feedback from mental health experts when crafting promotional material, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics. By learning from this experience, Ant and Dec can work to rebuild trust with their audience and ensure their future content is more thoughtfully considered.
