News Ticker

BBC Receives Complaints That ‘All Villains Are Explicitly Jewish’ in Sunday Night Crime Hit ‘McMafia’

  • BBC accused of anti-Semitism by Jewish groups following airing of McMafia
  • Viewers said it contained ‘gratuitous slurs’ against the Jewish community
  • The series has also been attacked over portrayal of a central Israeli character 

By Thomas Burrows and Clemmie Moodie | 3 January 2018

DAILY MAIL — The BBC has been hit by accusations of anti-Semitism by Jewish groups following the airing of its new crime drama McMafia.

McMafia explores the world of organised crime and follows the story of Alex Goodman, played by actor James Norton, the English-raised son of Russian exiles with a mafia history.

But since the first two episodes were aired this week, it has been hit by complaints, with viewers saying it contained ‘gratuitous slurs’ and ‘lazy stereotyping’ against the Jewish community.

The UK Lawyers for Israel group (UKLFI) has issued a statement over the portrayal of Semiyon Kleiman, a disreputable businessman and politician, played by American actor David Strathairn. The group also claim the eight part big budget thriller makes references to Israel which are not contained in the 2008 book of the same name by author, Misha Glenny. […]

Be the first to comment

Post a Comment

Winter Watch

Discover more from Winter Watch

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading