Culture 3 min read By Mason Emerson
BBC Denies James Acaster Filed Complaint Over 'Macho Banter' on 'Celebrity Traitors'
The BBC has called reports that 'Celebrity Traitors' contestant James Acaster complained to producers about teasing from Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan 'categorically untrue,' pushing back on a weekend tabloid story about on-set tensions.
The BBC has rejected reports that comedian James Acaster complained to producers about the behavior of his fellow contestants on «Celebrity Traitors,» calling the claims «categorically untrue.» The denial follows a weekend report that alleged Acaster had raised concerns about teasing from co-stars Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan during production of the reality competition series.
According to the original report, Acaster was said to have told producers he felt «uncomfortable» with what was described as «macho banter» from the two comedians and believed he was being singled out. The story spread quickly online, fueled by the show's high profile and the popularity of all three performers. The BBC's response was swift and unambiguous, describing the account as false without offering further detail about what took place during filming.
«Celebrity Traitors» is a star-studded spinoff of the hit reality franchise «The Traitors,» in which contestants attempt to identify hidden «traitors» among them while completing missions and building alliances. The celebrity edition has drawn attention for putting well-known British personalities into a high-pressure social game, where paranoia and conflict are part of the format. Acaster, Beckett and Ranganathan are among the most recognizable names in British comedy, and their presence on the series has been a major talking point for viewers.
The dispute highlights how closely the show's production is being watched, and how quickly unverified claims about on-set dynamics can circulate. The BBC's public statement effectively closes the matter from the broadcaster's side, at least for now. Neither Acaster nor his representatives have commented publicly on the report, and there has been no indication from the network that the alleged complaint affected filming or the show's schedule.
For fans of the franchise, the controversy is likely to remain a side note to the main event: the game itself. «Celebrity Traitors» continues to generate discussion around its contestants' strategies, alliances and confrontations, and the BBC's denial is unlikely to change the way the series is presented to audiences. The broadcaster has not said whether it plans any further response.
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