Katie Price has taken to social media to demand the cancellation of comedian Daniel O'Reilly, widely recognised as Dapper Laughs, following what she describes as a 'disgusting' joke targeting her disabled son, Harvey. The glamour model and reality TV star, aged 47, expressed her outrage on Instagram after learning that O'Reilly had used Harvey's genetic disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome, as material for a comedic bit.
Katie Price's Fierce Response on Social Media
In a series of impassioned posts, Katie Price did not hold back in condemning the comedian's actions. She wrote directly on her Instagram account, stating, 'So I hear last night @dappersinstagram made a joke about my son Harvey AGAIN then said 'pretend I didn't say anything or I'll get cancelled again'. He does charity football games for children and sure he has his own kids.'
She further emphasised her disgust, adding, 'Having to use my son with complex needs and can't defend himself for a joke, makes this man a disgusting human being, so I prey he gets cancelled for EVERYTHING.' Price also urged her followers to report O'Reilly's Instagram page for bullying, highlighting her protective stance as a mother.
History of Defending Harvey Against Inappropriate Jokes
This incident is not the first time Katie Price has been forced to defend her son from offensive humour. Back in 2010, she publicly criticised comedian Frankie Boyle for making a joke about Harvey, who was only eight years old at the time. Price also targeted Channel 4 for airing a repeat of the show containing the joke, accusing the broadcaster of exploiting discrimination.
At that time, Katie Price argued, 'They are saying it is ok to ridicule people - even children - for disability in a way they would not dare over race or sexual orientation. The people who control the channel are endorsing this behaviour and it is disgusting.'
Broader Support and Industry Reactions
Katie Price's frustration has found support from advocacy groups. Esther Foreman, campaigns manager at Mencap, previously commented on the Frankie Boyle incident, stating, 'It is disgusting that Frankie Boyle has chosen to target a child with a disability with these so-called jokes.'
In response to the Channel 4 controversy, Shane Allen, Head of Comedy for the broadcaster, defended the decision to air risky comedy, saying, 'We think that it is important that a space on terrestrial TV exists for comedy that takes risks and pushes boundaries and we stand by our original decision to broadcast the programme.'
However, Katie Price remains steadfast in her belief that such jokes cross a line, particularly when they involve vulnerable individuals like her son. She has consistently framed the issue as one of discrimination, urging for greater accountability in entertainment and media.
