'No further action' to be taken against Jo Brand over battery acid comments
Police will take no action over comments made by comedian Jo Brand on a BBC radio programme about throwing battery acid at politicians.
Brand, 61, made the remarks on the BBC Radio 4 programme Heresy on Tuesday night, sparking a police investigation alongside public criticism.
Brand was condemned by Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, and multiple members of the public raised the comments with broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.
Appearing at an event in Henley, Oxfordshire on Thursday, the comedian apologised for making a “crass and ill-judged” joke.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Friday evening: "Police received an allegation of incitement to violence on 13 June, relating to comments made on a radio programme.
"The referral has been considered by the MPS and no further police action will be taken in relation to this allegation."
Following the onslaught of public criticism, Brand has been forced to pulled out of an Alzheimer's Society event.
Read more: Jo Brand apologises for ‘crass and ill-judged’ acid joke
Read more: Nigel Farage hit by milkshake during campaign walkabout
What did Brand say?
In reply to a question about the state of UK politics, Brand had told the BBC Radio 4 programme: “Well, yes, I would say that but that’s because certain unpleasant characters are being thrown to the fore and they’re very, very easy to hate and I’m kind of thinking ‘Why bother with a milkshake when you could get some battery acid?’
“That’s just me. I’m not going to do it, it’s purely a fantasy, but I think milkshakes are pathetic, I honestly do, sorry.”
Nigel Farage hit back at the comedian following a recent "milkshaking" incident in Newcastle whilst campaigning for the European Elections.
Commenting on Twitter, he said: “I am sick to death of overpaid, left-wing, so-called comedians on the BBC who think their view is morally superior.
“Can you imagine the reaction if I had said the same thing as Jo Brand?”