By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan has revealed that Victoria Beckham contacted her directly after a joke she made on the BBC panel show Have I Got News For You sparked formal complaints.
BBC upholds complaint over joke
The incident occurred during a November 2025 episode when Ryan, 43, referenced a leaked email allegedly sent by Beckham’s husband, former England captain David Beckham, in which he reportedly used a highly offensive term. Ryan’s remark prompted an investigation by the BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit, which ruled the comment presented Victoria Beckham as equivalent to a particularly offensive word without justification. The joke was subsequently removed from the episode on BBC iPlayer.
Ryan apologizes to Beckham
Speaking to Heat magazine, Ryan said the former Spice Girl reached out immediately after the broadcast to express offense. Ryan offered an unreserved apology, telling Beckham she loved her and did not intend to hurt feelings. Ryan added that she has not contacted Beckham since, believing an apology should be given once and left at that.
Comedian cites matrescence in defense
In a video posted to social media last month, Ryan addressed the BBC’s decision to uphold the complaint, citing a condition called matrescence — the physical and psychological transition to motherhood. She had given birth to her fourth child, Holland, in October 2025. Ryan argued the joke was clearly tongue-in-cheek and questioned why the term used was treated as a slur against a protected group, noting that male comedians would not have faced similar scrutiny.
Ryan, a regular on British panel shows and the competition series Taskmaster, said the complaint came from two “very influential viewers.” The BBC has not disclosed their identities.
