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Warning: this story contains discussion of suicide
Ant and Dec have apologised for promoting their new podcast with a video that
has been criticised for containing imagery that was insensitive and may be
triggering for people struggling with mental health.
Social media users characterised the opening shot of the clip – showing a pair
of feet dangling above the ground – as evoking “suicide imagery” and
“triggering” content.
The TV presenters said in a statement: “We did not mean to cause any offense
with this promo video and we are sorry if it upset anyone.”
The clip was created to promote their podcast, Hanging Out With Ant &
Dec, which is due to launch later this month as part of their new
digital entertainment channel, Belta Box. It has now been deleted.
The video, which was shared on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) on Friday,
opened with a close-up image of feet suspended in the air, before showing the
duo pegged to a washing line.