ITV ends Dapper Laughs show after 'sexist' claims
ITV2 will not be commissioning a second series of comic dating show Dapper Laughs: On The Pull.
Following a concerted social media campaign against the internet-grown comedy star Dapper Laughs - real name Daniel O'Reilly - the channel has cited "careful thought to the recent criticism" in announcing its decision.
They say: "We have given careful thought to the recent criticism of the character Dapper Laughs, which has focused on his activities outside of the ITV2 programme.
"We have taken the decision that we will not be considering this show for a second series."
A six part series of Dapper Laughs: On The Pull completed broadcast last week. Since that date, a reported 180 complaints have been made to ITV about the programme. Meanwhile, an online petition calling on ITV2 not to renew the series is nearing 63,000 signatures.
The format saw O'Reilly in the guise of the cheeky Dapper Laughs character, travelling Britain to help a series of young men and women to gain confidence, fashion sense, and the ability to talk to members of the opposite sex with the aim of "pulling".
These reality-show elements were interspersed with a series of offbeat sketchlets, in which Dapper Laughs offered additional comic tips about men, women and dating.
In a correspondents' article published on comedy website Chortle last month, artist and comic Lee Kern branded the series a "rapists' almanac".
In response, O'Reilly published a statement at the weekend saying: "I know there has been heated commentary on social media in recent days, online abuse of any kind is wrong. Therefore I would like to say a few words to make my views clear.
"Some comedians push the boundaries in the name of entertainment. That means taking risks. But I think it's important that if we over step the mark and cause upset that we apologise. I would like to say sorry to those people who I have upset by my recent comments. I assure them that was not my intention."
However, an open letter organised by Kern in response disputed this argument, and was signed by some 44 comics.
Amidst the controversy, homeless charity Shelter has announced that it will refuse to accept profits raised by the Dapper Laughs charity Christmas album, Proper Naughty Xmas. Cardiff University also announced that it will not allow a live show by Dapper Laughs, which had been scheduled for February next year, to go ahead.
Here is a clip from one episode of Dapper Laughs: On The Pull, in which Dapper attempted to help the giggly Jodie approach men.