TV show accused of racism after One Direction “terrorist” joke
The Daily Show has been accused of racism after a joke they made about One Direction in the context of terrorism has come under fire on Twitter.
The joke, by Jessica Williams, lists One Direction as part of a terrorist “supergroup” but fans of the band have been enraged by the gag, calling it racist and in bad taste.
Although Jessica never mentions one member of the band in particular, One Direction fans seem to think The Daily Show were taking aim at Zayn Malik:
They called Harry a racist and now they call Zayn a terrorist bc he's a muslim!? I mean who's the racist! #TheDailyShowGoneToFar
— Brooke (@irishorwhat) September 26, 2014
#TheDailyShowGoneToFar WHOLE 1D FANDOM STILL WAITING FOR AN APOLOGIZE TO ZAYN!
— I LOVE YOU ZAYN (@beststylesever_) September 26, 2014
Zayn is a saint I dont get why people have to make stupid accusations based on something like appearance or religion #TheDailyShowGoneToFar
— ♡ Assie Cassie ♡ (@HopOnThe1D) September 26, 2014
Would you joke about someone's disability? Would you joke that someone was black? So why joke about someone's faith? #TheDailyShowGoneToFar
— Zayn defence squad (@ChimpMalik) September 26, 2014
We’re sure The Daily Show learnt a valuable lesson from all of this – just don’t mention One Direction. Ever.
You can listen to the joke Jessica made here, skip to 2:13 for the One D reference.