Anne-Marie and ITV have apologised for her sketch on ‘Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway’.
The 28-year-old singer’s End of the Show Show appearance left some viewers offended after the Geordie duo joined her on stage wearing the Japanese Rising Sun flag headbands – seen by some as a symbol of the country’s imperialist past – during a martial arts skit on Saturday (29.02.20).
Posting a statement on Twitter, she wrote: "I sincerely apologize to all those who were affected and hurt by my appearance last night on a UK TV.
"I want you to know I had nothing to do with the costumes on this sketch.
"Unfortunately, education on this part of the history wasn’t done and I am also hurt by the pain this signifies for so many people.
"I’m truly sorry and I promise you that this will not happen again.
"Our team is talking to the TV station, working on taking down the footage, so that it does not cause any more pain. (sic)"
ITV also commented on the controversy, noting that the offence was "clearly unintended", while confirming future broadcasts – including on the Hub – have been edited.
A spokesperson for the channel said: "We apologise for any offence caused during the Show of the Show Show by the costumes worn.
"This was clearly unintended and we have taken steps to re-edit that part of the episode for the Hub and for repeat broadcasts."
This comes just days after it was revealed last week’s series launch received 68 complaints over The Pussycat Dolls’ steamy performance at the end of the first episode.
Despite Ant and Dec cheekily holding up "censored" placards and other distractions during the racy routine, Ofcom received a backlash from some viewers left unimpressed with the outfits worn by the ‘Don’t Cha’ hitmakers.
Anne-Marie and ITV apologise for Saturday Night Takeaway performance
