The presenter of a popular quiz show has been criticized by his ABC colleagues and fans for making a crass joke on the death of John Lennon, lead singer of The Beatles.
On Sunday night, the ABC celebrated the return of its famous music program Spicks and Specs, with comedian Adam Hills returning as presenter.
ABC News Breakfast anchor Michael Rowland criticized a joke made by Hills regarding John Lennon’s assassination, eliciting a split reaction from viewers.
The gaffe occurred when the two teams were asked to identify the legendary band upon whom the characters in the 1967 Disney film The Jungle Book were based. The Beatles were accurately identified by comedian Rhys Nicholson.
“I believe they were supposed to perform it, but they ultimately declined due to publication or financial issues – am I making this up?” Nicholson inquired of the host.
Hills said that there were several explanations for why The Beatles did not participate in the film, joking, ‘One was schedule, and another was that John Lennon allegedly refused to work on animated films.
He appeared in live-action films, though. So paradoxically, he favored being shot in real life.’
Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon four times in the back in the archway of Lennon’s New York residence, The Dakota, on December 8, 1980, causing Lennon’s death.
As many other contenders and the crowd nervously chuckled, Nicholson was seen wincing with his head in his hands.
Rowland was one of the several spectators that were unamused.
The television morning anchor tweeted with two face-palm emojis, “That John Lennon joke… #spicksandspecks”
Numerous viewers concur.
One said, “Yeah… in my view, true music enthusiasts do not joke about deceased artists.”
Others demanded that Hills be taken off the program. ‘Ban Adam Hills. Weary of his jingoistic remarks and jokes of bad taste. Even though he’s on every night on ABC, the advertisements and introduction continue to suggest he’s back. He never bloody left. What is this nonsense about the team captain? Someone tweeted, “Hasn’t Australia got enough of “Hillsey?”
Poll
Was the host’s joke on John Lennon’s passing in poor taste?
Yes, it was inedible.
It was not a problem.
Undecided
Another viewer said, “I’ve always loathed Adam Hills, but the John Lennon joke was the last straw.”
Nonetheless, several supporters defended Hills.
A little of gloomy humor. One viewer said, “It’s fine.”
Someone else remarked, “People like contemplating Australian larakinism until they hear it, at which point they whine and feel insulted.”
Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life for Lennon’s murder.
Since being eligible for parole in 2000, he has been incarcerated and refused parole ten times.
ABC colleagues, including News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland, criticized Adam Hills.
ABC has been approached by Daily Mail Australia for comment.
The first of ten new episodes, titled “The Secret Song,” is featured in the return of Spicks and Specks.
Before the first episode aired, Hills said, “As the Australian live music industry slowly gets back on its feet, we want to give it a boost by exposing some of the greatest young artists Australia has to offer (along with a few oldies for good measure).”
“Of course, we’ll do it all with some of the country’s finest comedians. This season of Spicks & Specks was one of the greatest we’ve ever produced.’