Global superstar Beyoncé has reportedly been left absolutely livid after discovering the British TV show Bo’ Selecta! and the controversial portrayal of her by comedian Leigh Francis.

The sketch, which aired on the satirical comedy show, features a bizarre impersonation of the singer, and has ignited a firestorm of backlash after Beyoncé expressed her dissatisfaction.

In the episode, Beyoncé is shown catching a bus in Bradford, with her character being ridiculed as “rough gal” by the show’s Michelle, followed by an uncomfortable scene where she rubs lard on her legs and utters the phrase “lardilicious.”

The portrayal of Beyoncé in Bo’ Selecta! has not only left the singer appalled but has also raised questions about cultural appropriation, the limits of satire, and the ethics behind celebrity impersonation in media.

Beyoncé, known for her outspoken advocacy for empowerment, has a history of confronting any form of disrespect or misrepresentation, and this case appears to be no different. Sources close to the singer claim she is “furious” and has been in talks with her legal team to determine how to respond.

She is reportedly looking into ways to have the sketch banned from airing in the United States, as well as seeking an apology from creator and comedian Leigh Francis.

In the sketch, Bo’ Selecta! presents an exaggerated and mocking version of Beyoncé, one that some viewers have found both uncomfortable and demeaning.

In the scene, the fictionalized Beyoncé boards a bus in Bradford, where she is greeted by Michelle, who calls her a “rough gal.” From there, the sketch escalates to absurdity when Beyoncé’s character rubs lard on her legs while speaking the now-infamous line “lardilicious.” The scene is meant to be a comedic satire, but its execution has drawn ire for its portrayal of the star, leading to questions about racial stereotyping and the use of body image humor in popular media.

What makes the situation even more controversial is that Bo’ Selecta!—which aired in the early 2000s—was known for its over-the-top and sometimes absurd celebrity impersonations. Leigh Francis, the man behind the show and the character of Avid Merrion, was no stranger to using crude humor in his sketches.

However, Beyoncé’s recent discovery of this particular sketch in 2025, long after the show originally aired, has reignited the debate about the lasting impact of such portrayals.

Beyoncé, who is of African-American descent, has always used her platform to elevate Black culture and advocate for diversity and inclusion. She has confronted issues of racism, sexism, and body shaming throughout her career.

In light of this, it’s no surprise that the singer found the depiction of her on Bo’ Selecta! deeply offensive, especially as it appeared to perpetuate harmful stereotypes of Black women.

Fans and critics of Beyoncé have rallied around her, voicing their support online and questioning the ethics behind Bo’ Selecta!’s portrayal of the star. Many have pointed out that while comedy often relies on satire and exaggeration, there are boundaries to what is acceptable.

Some have raised concerns about how such sketches, even when intended as humorous, can contribute to the broader culture of mockery and exploitation of famous personalities—particularly women and people of color.

Beyoncé’s fanbase, known as the Beyhive, has been especially vocal in denouncing the sketch.

The online community, which has previously rallied in support of the singer during moments of adversity, has been quick to express outrage at what they perceive as an unnecessary attack on one of the world’s most celebrated artists.

“This is beyond just a joke,” said one fan on social media. “It’s a question of respect. We can’t let people get away with these kinds of harmful stereotypes.”

Others have noted that the sketch plays into long-standing tropes about Black women and their bodies, often reducing them to exaggerated caricatures for the sake of comedy.

The use of lard in particular has been criticized as an overt reference to body-shaming, a topic that Beyoncé herself has confronted in her work, especially in her song Pretty Hurts, which explores the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards.

Leigh Francis, the creator and performer behind Bo’ Selecta!, has yet to issue an official statement addressing the controversy. However, sources close to the comedian have claimed that he did not intend to offend Beyoncé with his portrayal.

“It was always meant to be a satirical take on celebrity culture, not a personal attack,” one source explained. “The show’s humor was often irreverent, and it was a product of its time. He never meant to upset anyone.”

Nevertheless, Francis’ lack of acknowledgment of the impact of his humor in the present day has only fueled the firestorm. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the consequences of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and many feel that Bo’ Selecta!’s outdated humor does not align with modern sensibilities.

It is still unclear what exact legal action Beyoncé and her team are considering, but insiders suggest that the singer is determined to ensure that this kind of humor is no longer tolerated in the entertainment industry.

She is reportedly working with her team to explore ways to prevent the sketch from airing in America and, potentially, to ensure that other celebrities who may have been affected by the show’s portrayal receive an apology.

As for Bo’ Selecta!, the controversy surrounding the Beyoncé sketch has reignited a conversation about the changing landscape of comedy and the importance of cultural sensitivity. The show, once considered groundbreaking for its edgy humor, now faces scrutiny over its treatment of celebrities, particularly women of color.

Whether or not the sketch will be permanently banned or revisited for re-edits remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Beyoncé’s influence is undeniable, and her fight for respect and dignity continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Beyoncé’s reaction to Bo’ Selecta! reflects the ongoing shift in how celebrities, particularly women and people of color, are portrayed in popular media. While satire and humor can be powerful tools for social commentary, they must be wielded responsibly.

For Beyoncé, the issue isn’t just about the hurtful portrayal of herself, but about standing up for what she believes in—empowerment, respect, and dignity.

As the conversation continues to unfold, the ball is now in Leigh Francis’ court to address the concerns raised and, perhaps, to reconsider the legacy of Bo’ Selecta! in light of today’s cultural climate.