Channel 4 News issues Robin Williams ‘hang me’ gaffe apology
Channel 4 News has apologised to viewers after screening a tribute to the late actor Robin Williams which included a clip of the actor saying ‘Why don’t they get a rope and hang me’ in Good Morning Vietnam.
The unfortunate gaffe came a day after the comedian’s suicide, with the probable cause of death likely to be from asphyxiation. The choice of clip was poorly received by those who saw it with reactions ranging from ‘a bit tasteless’ to ‘slightly unfortunate’.
Slightly unfortunate choice of Robin Williams Good Morning Vietnam clip by @Channel4News for their closing tribute.
— Trish Bertram (@TrishVoice) August 12, 2014
C4 news clip of Good Morning Vietnam was a bit tasteless. It had Robin Williams saying"get a rope and hang me" in it. Not checked. — peter pulford (@petepulford) August 12, 2014In response to the criticism Channel 4 responded with an apology, saying: “We'd like to apologise for including what was an inappropriate line from Good Morning Vietnam in our play-out from tonight's programme. There was no offence intended in what was meant to be a heartfelt tribute to Robin Williams."
We’d like to apologise for including what was an inappropriate line from Good Morning Vietnam in our play-out from tonight’s programme.1/2
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) August 12, 2014