BBC receives 200 complaints over comedy sitcom ‘Citizen Khan’

A sitcom made by the BBC about a Muslim community leader ‘Citizen Khan’ has seen ...

14:04 29 August 2012

A sitcom made by the BBC about a Muslim community leader ‘Citizen Khan’ has seen around 200 complaints since it was aired on Monday night.

 

The TV show pokes fun at Mr Khan’s self-importance, with his thoughts on his position in the community and the business world.

 

The six-part TV series, written by British Muslim Adil Ray who also appears in the programme, has been accused of insulting Muslims.

 

It has been seen by some viewers to “take the mickey out of Islam", as it contained "stereotypes about Asians" and was "disrespectful to the Koran", as the Daily Mail have reported.

 

One scene in particular which brought negative attention involved Mr Khan’s daughter wearing heavy make-up, putting on a hijab and pretending to read the Koran.

 

Comments appeared on the BBC’s message board following Monday’s broadcasting such as: "HIGHLY disappointed especially when her father walks in and she disrespectfully opens the Koran!!"

 

On the plus, one viewer who reacted more favourably to the new comedy was quoted by the Daily Mail saying: “People are reading too much in to Citizen Khan, especially the hijab thing, it happens!”

 

Angry reactions came through on Twitter to attack the BBC sitcom with regards to Muslim tradition.

 

One tweet said: “‏@Saduf_I: Caked in makeup, a sleeveless top & tight clothes? A pathetic portrayal of a hijabi. The hijab defines modesty. This isn't it.”

 

With another viewer being less angry and seeing the situation from a different point of view: “‏@BAPB00: I watched Citizen Khan.. And it is quite rude and i can see why people are getting offended but its alllllll trueee.”

 

A spokesman for the BBC has stated that "Citizen Khan has made a very positive start,” as it saw 3.6m viewers, making it a successful launch.

 

“New comedy always provokes differing reactions from the audience. The characters are comic creations and not meant to be representative of the community as a whole," said the BBC spokesman.

 

Actor Kris Marshall, who starred in popular TV show ‘My Family’, is the mosque manager with actress Shobu Kapoor, from EastEnders, as Mr Khan’s wife.