Offensive tweets see comedian withdraw from Aberdeen panto at HMT
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Comedian Janey Godley has parted ways with the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast in Aberdeen in December following comments being revisited from her historical social media posts which were highlighted for being racist having made comments about black performers including Kelly Rowland, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg.
In an official statement made today, Aberdeen Performing Arts and Crossroads Pantomimes said: "Today Janey Godley, by mutual agreement with Crossroads Pantomimes and Aberdeen Performing Arts, has withdrawn from Beauty and the Beast at HMT Aberdeen this Christmas.
"We do not condone any form of discrimination, nor do we condone bullying, trolling and abuse.
"We recognise that the only appropriate course of action in these circumstances was for her to step down.
"Earlier in the week, Janey Godley apologised unreservedly for past comments she had made on social media.
"Further casting announcement for the pantomime will be made later in the year"
Ms Godley said in a statement that there were tweets from her past social media which were "horridly offensive".
She added: "People have every right to go through my social media and see what values I hold and to find hurtful phrases and statements is shocking.
"I am deeply sorry to everyone I offended.
"Comedy is no excuse to use disgusting and hurtful words that affect people and I know many of you expected better of me. I apologise for every single word that upset people."
It was also confirmed that #stopthespike campaign to encourage face coverings and lateral flow testing which she has been fronting has now been pulled.
The government announced on Thursday it was dropping the adverts, with Ms Godley saying she would donate her fee to the STV Children's Appeal.
