The controversial scene in question aired during one of the final episodes of The Benny Hill Show. In this sketch, Hill portrayed a stereotypical, lecherous old man pursuing young women, culminating in a sequence that many viewers found deeply uncomfortable. The scene showed Hill’s character cornering a young woman in a highly suggestive manner, which quickly sparked widespread outrage.
The backlash was immediate and intense. Viewers and critics condemned the scene for its blatant sexism and lack of awareness of contemporary values. The network received a flood of letters denouncing the show’s reliance on outdated and offensive stereotypes. Feminist groups and media watchdogs amplified the criticism, demanding the show’s cancellation.
Although The Benny Hill Show had long been a target of criticism, it still maintained a loyal following. However, by the early 1990s, the cultural climate had shifted significantly.
