By Karim Hammam
Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan has apologized to Victoria Beckham after the BBC upheld complaints about a joke she made on the panel show "Have I Got News For You" last November.
BBC Upholds Complaints
The broadcaster's Executive Complaints Unit ruled that Ryan's remark, which alluded to a leaked email from David Beckham containing an offensive term, presented Victoria Beckham as equivalent to a particularly offensive word without justification. The joke was subsequently removed from the episode on BBC iPlayer.
Ryan's Apology and Beckham's Response
Speaking to Heat magazine, Ryan said Beckham reached out to her shortly after the broadcast to say she was offended. Ryan stated she "unreservedly apologised" and told Beckham, "I love you and I'm really sorry." Ryan added that she has not contacted Beckham since and believes one apology is sufficient.
Matrescence and Further Commentary
In a video statement last month, Ryan cited "matrescence" — the physical and psychological process of becoming a mother — as context for her behavior, noting she had a 10-day-old baby at the time of the recording. She gave birth to her fourth child, Holland, in October 2025. Ryan also discussed the backlash, saying she sometimes forgets celebrities are not her friends and questioned the classification of the slur.
