BBC says James Acaster 'banter' complaint report is 'categorically untrue'

The BBC is shutting down an unconfirmed Mail on Sunday report that James Acaster complained about teasing from Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan on The Celebrity Traitors. A BBC rep calls the claims "categorically untrue."

What the paper claimed

The Mail on Sunday reported over the weekend that Acaster told producers he was uncomfortable with the duo's "macho banter," per The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and Deadline.

The paper quoted an anonymous source saying Beckett and Ranganathan thought they were having a laugh, but Acaster felt much of it was at his expense. The source said he spoke to the production team and felt singled out, according to Deadline and THR.

The BBC's answer

On Monday, a BBC representative rejected the story. The rep told THR the claims of teasing and of complaints about teasing are "categorically untrue," adding that no such incidents occurred and that there is no evidence backing the allegations.

A source added that the reality is "the complete opposite," per THR and Variety. That source said the agents for Acaster, Beckett and Ranganathan know about the story and have told the Mail on Sunday it is false. The reports don't include any direct comment from the three comedians themselves.

Why it's everywhere

The show is a ratings monster. Variety reports it is averaging 9.3 million live viewers, and its latest episode saw Joe Lycett banished from the castle. Hannah Fry has also been banished, per THR.

That kind of audience makes on-set gossip big news. THR notes Acaster has been the subject of many alleged "insider" reports during the run. The show is produced by Studio Lambert and fronted by Claudia Winkleman.

For now, it's an anonymously sourced newspaper report against a flat BBC denial.