Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Frankie Boyle condemned for ‘sick’ coronavirus death toll jokes

Comedian has been posting about fatalities in Britain and Boris Johnson’s hospital stay

Ellie Harrison
Monday 20 April 2020 10:59 BST
Comments
Frankie Boyle's most devastating takedowns

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Frankie Boyle has sparked a backlash on Twitter after posting a series of dark jokes related to coronavirus.

The comedian, who is known for his gallows humour, has drawn criticism for his recent tweets about the coronavirus death toll, Boris Johnson’s struggle with the illness, and press coverage of the pandemic.

In one tweet, which was described as “sick” by another Twitter user, Boyle wrote: “Campaign to get Big Ben to bong when we reach a million dead.”

“Have a bit of respect for the feelings of relatives and friends of the people who have lost their lives,” said one of the comments underneath the post. “Definitely not a subject to joke about.”

“Bro you used to be funny,” wrote another user. A third added: “I realise you're not really mocking the dead, but I think that is a bit too far.”

In a tweet following the prime minister’s recovery from the virus, Boyle said: “Of course I'm very glad that Boris Johnson didn't die in hospital, but I would like to see clawed hands rise from a vent in the ground and drag his living body into Hell.”

Commenters described the post as “disgusting” and “harsh”.

Another of Boyle’s tweets, in which he suggested the British press does not count care home residents among the dead, was also met with criticism.

One person wrote: “No they didn’t shut up.”

“Mind you used to be funny?” said another. “What happened to that?”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in