Ant and Dec issue apology over 'triggering' deleted social media post
WARNING: This article contains details which some readers may find distressing: Ant and Dec deleted a video promoting the new podcast, after receiving backlash from fans on social media, who branded the clip 'triggering'
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have issued an apology following criticism from followers on social media about a video published on their recently launched Belta Box channel.
Fans spoke of concerns it could be distressing for those struggling with mental health issues. The presenting duo subsequently removed the video.
It appeared on the pair's rebranded Belta Box Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts on Friday evening (January 16) to publicise their latest podcast venture, but quickly prompted demands from supporters to remove the content.
The now-removed footage depicted the television personalities hanging from a washing line. The clip, seemingly designed as a light-hearted reference to their new podcast entitled Hanging Out With Ant and Dec, began with a close-up shot of Dec's feet dangling in mid-air, which proved distressing for some.
The video, which promoted their podcast, was posted on Instagram and X, with the caption: "Our brand-new podcast Hanging Out With Ant and Dec is launching Thursday 22nd January!" The video showed the pair hanging from a washing line before Dec asked "Did you agree to this?" Before Ant replied: "No, I thought this was your idea." Dec declared: "This is not what we meant by hanging out", as Ant pleaded: "Can someone get us down please?"
Music accompanied the promotional clip, with Ant announcing: "Hanging out with Ant and Dec, our new podcast, is coming soon."
Dec followed up, saying: "Listen wherever you get your podcasts and watch on the Belta Box YouTube channel."
The duo faced a backlash on social media following the video's release, with concerns raised about potentially distressing imagery for those experiencing mental health difficulties, reports The Mirror.
It comes after one follower wrote on X: "Errm you guys are great, but this video is horrendous. Come on, surely one person during editing could see how triggering the start would be to some people. Remove it." Another added: "I'd hate for someone in distress to see this. Guys I know it isn't intentional, but maybe take this down and re-edit the promotional materials."
A third said: "Very poor taste that. Ant and Dec already have a huge following, why ruin their own reputation to promote a podcast."
Another person wrote: "For someone who's suffered and continues to struggle with mental issues, as well as knowing people who've lost their battles in a manner that the start of this advertisement insinuates is triggering. Be interested to know what mental health charities make of it @samaritanscharity @mindcharity".
The pair reacted swiftly by deleting the video and have since issued an apology. Ant and Dec said in a statement: "We did not mean to cause any offence with this promo video and we are sorry if it has upset anyone. We have taken on board the comments and have deleted the video."
It comes after the duo announced their brand new venture yesterday. The pair made an announcement on Saturday Night Takeaway's official Instagram and YouTube pages to reveal a new project – which includes the pair hosting their own podcast. The channel has been transformed with a new name and branding, called Belta Box, which is their brand new entertainment channel and will house new content including new digital projects while also taking a look back at some of their career highlights.
Meanwhile, the platform will also feature their brand new podcast, Hanging Out With Ant and Dec, which launches on January 22. Speaking about the exciting new venture, 50 year old Ant said: "We've spent our whole careers celebrating great entertainment, so launching Belta Box feels like the natural next step. Alongside our new podcast, we're excited to create a space packed with fun, feel-good content that brings people together-no matter where they're watching or listening."
While his pal Dec, 50, added: "What better way to launch Belta Box than with our first ever podcast series! We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it be about, and they said we just want you guys to hang out. So that's what we're doing! Ant and I don't get to hang out as much as we used to, so it's perfect for us."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch