The BBC has revealed it is “actively considering” a rape “joke” made by Irish comedian Vittorio Angelone.
Angelone, who stars in the upcoming BBC sitcom Rewarding, apologised on Wednesday (21 October) for referring to influencer Rebecca Goodwin in a remark about rape, which he made during an appearance on Have a Word podcast in 2025.
Goodwin, who is currently going through a rape trial, shared in a video on social media that she had cried about the joke.
She said it will "forever live with me that it was allowed for my name to be used as the punchline of a malicious 'joke' about such a serious issue".
She continued: "I understand comedy and things can be laughed at, but this is one of the hardest things I've ever been through in my life and I'm not exaggerating and it just hurts. It's not funny and he's not funny.”
Goodwin claimed that Angelone had posted clips of the “joke” on his social media accounts in recent days.
After Goodwin’s response went viral, Angelone issued a statement that read: “I made a joke that I shouldn't have made and I’d like to say sorry. The joke referenced sexual violence. At the very least, I should have run the joke past the person mentioned and then still not told it because it isn't funny.
He continued: “I let my need for validation supersede my own standards and morals. It's completely pathetic and I'm ashamed to realise that myself.”
He added that he has reached out and apologised directly to Goodwin, and that he was “grateful” for being called out.
He concluded: “I will do better in future."
A BBC spokesperson said of Angelone’s comments: “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised and are actively considering them, recognising their seriousness and the sensitivities involved.”
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