ITV announced on Monday evening that it will not be renewing Dapper Laughs: On the Pull.
ITV announces it will not continue Dapper Laughs show following complaints http://t.co/Vv9KQY2hn9
A spokesman for the channel told ITV News:
We have given careful thought to the recent criticism of the character Dapper Laughs, which has focused on his activities outside of the ITV2 programme, whose content was carefully considered and complied. We have taken the decision that we will not be considering this show for a second series.
Two days ago, however, the channel had a very different perspective. A statement at the time said:
Dapper's persona resolves around him being a self-styled "pulling magnet" and offering his dating prowess to members of the public as he helps others, and himself, to pull.
Dapper's pulling tips are firmly based on treating women with respect and speaking to them in the right way and this is the message he gives to all the singles on the show during the series.
We realise that all humour is subjective and accept that Dapper's humour is more risqué but feel that his unique brand of banter and brash charm is neither sexist or degrading to women and that his approach to pulling is based on displaying the right attitude to women in order to succeed.
By the time the decision was made to drop the show over 60,000 people had signed this petition.
Earlier on Monday, footage of the comedian, real name Daniel O'Reilly, sparked outrage on social media.
View this video on YouTube
This video, originally posted in October, shows the comedian joking about rape at a gig in London. He was responding to this Huffington Post article in which he was accused of publishing a "rapist's almanack".
He says about a female audience member: "She's gagging for a rape, we'll have a chat afterwards. Do you want to come backstage after? Bring two of your mates, you’ll need them."
A group of comedians also wrote an open letter condemning O'Reilly for his act.
Among the signatories were Jenny Eclair, Isy Suttie, and Frances Barber. They wrote:
We are a group of comedians who believe that, contrary to their claim, the current output of Daniel O'Reilly and given a platform by ITV is entirely sexist and degrading to women.
We also take umbrage with Daniel's use of the word "we" in his version of an apology.
It seems to be an attempt to shield himself from personal scrutiny, responsibility or recrimination by manufacturing for his readers a false sense that we as comedians are somehow all in this together.
We want to say in a loud, clear voice to fans of British comedy and anyone else interested that we do not believe the harassment of women or that misogyny dressed up as "banter" is pushing any kind of boundary whatsoever.
On Sunday the comedian apologised for the content of his Christmas album after the homelessness charity Shelter refused to take a share of the proceeds.
The controversy about the album began after UsVsTh3m tweeted a negative review of it last week. He replied:
In the ensuing spat one of UsVsTh3m's female writers was inundated with misogynistic abuse.
The abuse brought a misogynistic streak in the comedian's routine into sharp relief.
The comedian began deleting some of his tweets, but by this point Shelter had announced it wouldn't be accepting his donations.
Just to confirm: we won’t be accepting donations (however small!) from @dapperlaughs for reasons @UsVsTh3m make clear http://t.co/hWfS3CM3nX
The charity's CEO, Campbell Robb, told the Independent:
Dapper Laughs' brand of "comedy" – which is deeply offensive about homeless people, not to mention many others – is something we felt it was important to take a stand against. The support from the public has been overwhelming and we've seen a fantastic rise in donations as a result, meaning Shelter can help even more people this Christmas.
Earlier that week, students at Cardiff University succeeded in cancelling a Dapper Laughs gig there.
A petition raised more than 700 signatures in a week. The organiser, Vicky Chandler, told WalesOnline:
It's been a hard campaign and we've received a lot of abuse from a minority of people but we are really happy we've been listened to. Hopefully in the long run people will see that they can stand up about things they believe in and their voice will be heard. It's been so great to see so many people standing up and supporting us. It's started a talk about feminism and sexism on campus that I hope will continue.
Some TV insiders have questioned the significance of the broadcaster's decision.
Dapper Laughs not really sacked/axed by ITV. They've not renewed a show they gave an obscure slot to and might not have brought back anyway.
@jackseale viewing figures were v low. He was unlikely to get a recommission.