An old episode one of Michael Palin’s travel documentaries has been hit with a trigger warning by the BBC.
The BBC have added the advisory label for an episode of the 1989 series Around the World in 80 Days.
In the episode, the comedy great is seen trying out a traditional meal, which includes a snake as the main part of the dish, while in Guangzhou, China.
The scene shows the snake being beheaded and skinned by a chef before being served up to the Monty Python star, now 81.
After Palin tries the dish, he remarks: ‘That’s great. It’s lovely.’
The BBC have added a warning label for an episode of the Michael Palin’s series Around the World in 80 Days
The scene shows the snake being beheaded and skinned by a chef before being served up to the Monty Python star
Now when viewers watch the episode on BBC iPlayer, a message pops up letting them know that the show ‘contains upsetting scenes’.
Such warnings are usually reserved for material that can be potentially harmful or offensive, such as strong language, violence, graphic images and sexual behaviour, with more extensive rules surrounding content for under-18s.
They have also been used on old classic comedies which may contain offensive language of the time.
The decision to add the warning to Palin’s travel show has been met with some criticism.
In the episode, the comedy great is seen trying out a traditional meal which includes a snake as the main part of the dish while in Guangzhou, China
Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke told the Sun: ‘These things happen around the world, yet the BBC says ‘you better not watch that, it might upset you’. This decision has been made by snowflakes in office with no experience of the world.’
While Toby Young, head of the Free Speech Union, added: ‘Surely viewers of Around the World in 80 Days tune in precisely so they can see weird and wonderful things from the other side of the world.’
He went on to joke that I’m A Celebrity may receive a similar warning for the show’s well-known eating challenges.
A BBC spokesperson said : ‘Like other broadcasters and streaming services, we add guidance labels to some programmes on iPlayer depending on the content.’