Matt Lucas hits back at BBC star’s claims and urges fans to ‘make your own minds up’

A BBC radio presenter criticized Matt Lucas’ behavior toward a sign language interpreter, but he has since refuted the criticism.

At the 2024 British Book Awards, comedian Nihal Arthanayake claimed he “took the p***” out of a British sign language interpreter. However, the Little Britain actress has urged his followers to decide what they think of his actions.

In his own Instagram post, Nihal had earlier stated, “I just wanted to tell a little story from the British Book Awards last year, when Matt Lucas took the stage and decided it would be funny to take the p*** out of the British sign language interpreter that was on stage. Being in the audience felt so awkward. Anyway, I went on stage while I was presenting the award, and I was first asked by the British sign language interpreter, “How do you sign Matt Lucas is a w***er?” You can imagine how the audience responded.

Matt, 51, has shared his speech on Instagram Stories, which he claims to have denied any wrongdoing. As Matt said, “Everyone is talking about books, but I’m not going to do that,” it is as people can be heard laughing in it. Instead of doing something I’ve always wanted to do, I’m going to. So, kindly let me have a moment of indulgence.

The split-screen big screen was then used by him to show the interpreter on one side and him on the other. Matt continued, “I’m going to say hello if you just look at the screen.” I must confess something. I’m not a certified interpreter of British Sign Language. I’ve been convicted of a crime. I have no experience with sign language. I’m essentially just giving my arms around willfully while I’m here.

Then he demanded that the interpreter once more sign willy-nilly. Let’s try some more, please. He made a joke about “Armadillo, what’s armadillo”? Matt shared the clip, and he later shared another story, stating, “Some stories have appeared today about an improvised comedy routine I performed at the British Book Awards in May 2024. Some lighthearted entertainment. To allow you to make up your own minds, I’m posting the routine here.

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Source: Mirror